Boss Lady #4: Laws in Love

III. Heavy

"I am in an arranged marriage, Atty."

Atty. Hidalgo did not show any confusion or shock on his face, so Olive decided to continue.

"My parents arranged me with my husband now four years ago and I want out. A-Ayoko na magtagal pa sa relasyon na 'yon, pakiramdam ko mababaliw na ako kung magtatagal pa," wika niya sabay yumuko, iniiwasan ang malalim na tingin ng abugado. "My husband... h-he's... he abuses me, physically and verbally. S-Sinasaktan niya ako, sinasampal... tinutulak... minumura, pinagsasalitaan nang masasama... and I've had enough already. I-I don't think I can endure any longer."

The attorney sat forward, his elbows now resting on his desk. "Can you tell me more about this... arrangement?"

"I-I'm... I'm the daughter of the owners of LOZ Global, Inc., Atty. Alam mo ba 'yung company na 'yun? Our shipping company went downhill when my brother embezzled millions from its funds, and we were in so much debt after. I was working for the company, trying to save it even if I didn't want to because none of it was my fault but I had no choice. Then, my parents arranged me for marriage with Gregorio Sandoval, the owner of the Sandoval Group of Companies, in exchange for him saving our company through a merger. My brother never paid for what he did because I paid for his wrongdoing instead. I suffered for years in the hands of my husband, Atty., and I don't want it anymore. We never loved each other because it was only for convenience, he dates and fucks another woman he brings home sometimes, but that is not a problem to me. I only just want to get out and remove his surname after my maiden surname. Hindi ko na matitiis ang makasama pa siya."

Atty. Hidalgo observed her intently, while Olive only has her eyes on her hands that are fidgeting in nervousness.

"Where did you get married, Ms. Lozano?" tanong ng abugado.

Tinignan ito ni Olive. "Here in Manila, Atty. Sa Manila Cathedral. If you follow showbiz news, you probably saw our wedding featured on TV."

"I'm not aware of it, but I know about your company and the merging," wika nito. "I know who your husband is too, Ms. Lozano. The business industry isn't that big, and the law industry isn't either."

Olive felt fear rise in her system upon hearing his statement. Gio's network is really wide, no wonder the attorney knows him. Hindi na siya magtataka kung pagkatapos ng consultation niya kay Atty. Hidalgo ay malalaman na ng asawa ang pagtatanong niya tungkol sa annulment.

"P-Please don't tell my husband about this, Atty." Her voice was shaking, almost at the point of begging, when she said those words. Pinaka titigan siya ng abugado saka tumango.

"Don't worry, I don't personally know him. Everyone knows who he is. Anyway," he said. "What can I do for you then?"

"Please help me. I want to have an annulment," sabi ng dalaga.

"You do know you're going to go against someone who is rich and powerful, right?" Atty. Hidalgo asked her.

Olive hesitated at first but still nodded. "Alam ko kung gaano kahirap kalabanin ang asawa ko, Atty., but I'm determined."

"Gagastos ka nang malaki rito, Ms. Lozano. My lawyer fees alone might cost you a lot. Wala pa rito ang processing na pagdadaanan mo at gagastusan mo rin. Are you financially prepared to go against your husband?" paninigurado nito.

She had no choice but to shake her head then looked down again at her hands. Alam niyang wala siyang sapat na pera para mapausad ang pagpapa-annul ng kasal nila ni Gio. Meron siyang savings noon pa pati na rin ang trust fund mula sa kanyang magulang, pero alam niyang hindi sapat ang lahat ng 'yon kahit pagsama samahin. Olive knows that once Gio learns about the annulment, he will do his best to milk her money up to the last coin she has.