Husband In The Shadows - Chapter 14: Chapter 14

I didn't know what to say. Aside from Nydia not loving me, her family had always treated me well.
Russell tried to talk me down. "You two shouldn't hold grudges. Maybe have a kid and build your love stronger together.
"You've been married for years. Getting divorced now... Well, it's embarrassing."
I looked at him and asked, "How many people even knew we were married?"
Russell went quiet. My question hit a nerve.
After a moment, he said, "Nydia was just immature. Can't you let it go this once?"
I took a sip of coffee and gave a bitter smile. "What if your wife was still seeing her first love?
"What if she spent nights with him and cared more about him than you?"
Russell said nothing. He covered his face with his hands.
"She hid our marriage because of him," I added, my voice cold. "How am I supposed to just move on from that?"
I downed more coffee, but it only made things worse—my tongue was dry, and I could feel that bottled-up anger blazing inside me.
The peace I'd found in Jaford City suddenly felt far away. I was pissed all over again.
After a long pause, Russell said, "There was nothing going on between her and Jefferson, at least not the way you assumed. Just talk to her."
I shook my head. "If she won't sign, then we'll settle it in court. I've got time."
Russell frowned and slapped the table. "Do you really have to take it that far?"
"I'm not signing. Not even in court!" Nydia walked in just then, eyes red and voice sharp.
Russell seemed like he wanted to say something else but decided against it. He got up, quietly told Nydia to have a proper talk with me, and walked out, leaving the two of us alone.
Nydia came over, her lips pressed tight.
I stayed calm, the warmth I used to have for her completely gone.
She shifted uncomfortably. She could tell things had changed. In the past, if she looked upset, even a little, I'd rush to comfort her and blame myself for days.
"Emerson, why sue for divorce?" she asked. "Why be so harsh? Couldn't we have talked it out?"
I looked at her, my voice cold. "You care now? Are you embarrassed because I filed for divorce first? Or is it because Jefferson knows?"
Nydia raised her hand, almost ready to slap me, but in the end, she stopped herself.
She sat down beside me, took a moment to steady her breath, then said quietly, "This isn't how it's supposed to end.
"I'm not agreeing to this divorce. I won't."
I stood up, my voice icy. "Fine. See you in court."
Judge Joseph tried to mediate between us, but I held my ground.
With all the evidence I had, Nydia and I ended up in court a week later.
The trial wasn't public—divorce cases usually weren't.
Nydia's lawyer was sharp and well-prepared. "Your Honor, my client never cheated. The so-called evidence is all guesswork.
"She didn't visit the plaintiff in the hospital because she's a doctor. She was working. She has patients. She can't drop everything for her husband. That's not professional.
"As for keeping the marriage secret, they're legally married. Who cares if the whole world knows or not? Is that really the issue here?
"The plaintiff's claims are weak. We do not agree to this divorce."