𝐃𝐈𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓 || 𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍

𝟎𝟗 || 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬

After dropping Joana off at daycare, Amelia returned home feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation. She glanced at the wall-mounted clock, which showed exactly 8 a.m. Amelia had taken the morning off work to visit the court and file the divorce application. The appointment was scheduled for 9:15 a.m., and the ticking of the clock only heightened her anxiety.

Strange feelings churned in her stomach, making her second-guess her decision. Doubt crept in, and she wondered if she had made the right choice. Amelia despised this overwhelming sensation in her gut; it left her feeling strangely exposed and humiliated. It was as if her emotions were on a roller coaster, and she desperately wished for someone to come and reassure her that everything would turn out fine.

Amelia was dressed in slightly yellowed, but otherwise pristine, white high waist wide leg pants, paired with white block heel sandals and a simple white blouse. She had considered wearing a light brown cardigan, but decided against it, leaving it in the car just in case she needed it later.

As she got ready, her thoughts were interrupted by Richarlison's voice, bringing her back to the present moment. He looked at her intently, analyzing her from head to toe.

"You look nice," he complimented, breaking the silence.

Amelia's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze. She appreciated his words, but at the same time, they added to her already jittery emotions. Richarlison was dressed casually, in his usual white t-shirt, gray jogging pants, and his trusty adidas slippers.

"Thank you," she managed to respond, her lips curling into a small smile, though her mind was still preoccupied with the impending court appointment.

"Shouldn't you get changed?" Amelia asked, trying to shift the attention away from herself and the nervousness she felt about the court appointment.

Richarlison yawned at the end of his sentence and replied, "Nah, I have plenty of time left."

"Plenty of time?" Amelia insisted, a touch of urgency in her voice. Richy, it's already 8:15 am, and we should be leaving the house at 8:45 am." She was well aware of Richarlison's laid-back approach to time, but today was different, and she wanted everything to go smoothly.

"Oh damn, well then I should take my shower now. I will be back in 10 minutes." Richarlison realized the urgency of the situation and headed straight to the restroom to get ready. Amelia couldn't help but notice that she had called him by his nickname, Richy, without thinking. As he was departing, she couldn't help but wonder if he had caught that, but she pushed the thought aside, focusing on getting herself ready for the important appointment ahead.

As Richarlison entered the bathroom, he was grinning because Amelia called him Richy.

Amelia sat patiently at the kitchen table, a hint of playful anticipation in her eyes as she waited for Richarlison's return. Fifteen minutes had passed, and she couldn't help but wonder what was keeping him. To pass the time, she indulged in some grapes, savoring each succulent bite as she imagined savoring the moments ahead with him.

Suddenly, the kitchen door swung open, and there he was—her tall, dashing footballer, dressed in a suit that exuded an air of sophistication. Amelia looked up, her gaze locking with his, and she felt her heart skip a beat. However, she couldn't help but notice that his shirt's first three buttons were still undone, and he was wearing his trusty adidas slippers, which charmingly contrasted with his otherwise formal attire.

Standing in front of Amelia, Richarlison flashed her a confident smile and declared, "Ready to go." As she took in his appearance, Amelia couldn't resist raising an eyebrow, silently questioning his readiness.