Love Begins

23. Amy

In 3 days I will be free from the forced marriage. Yesterday, Nora called and said we were going to meet Anthony and his lawyer today. I don't know why they want to meet us, but Nora told to meet. I am getting ready. Yesterday, when I told Adam about it, like a true friend, he assured me that everything will work out. I don't need to be scared as Nora will be with me. Last time, I met Anthony at the cafe, I was so scared. I tried very hard to stand up against him. I mustered all my courage I had. Today also I will do the same. I will muster all my courage and stand straight against him. I not wrong. I am doing the right thing. You should never be afraid when you know you are doing the right thing for you. As quoted by Adam.

I came out of room. Adam was eating breakfast which I prepared. He looks at me and smile warmly, "Ready?"

"I am ready." I say after few seconds.

"Don't worry. You are not alone." He reminds me. He is right. I am not alone. I have him and Nora who helped me. 

"Thanks." I say him. "I am leaving. See you." Saying this I left the apartment. I booked the taxi to Nora's office. She wants to discuss something case related. I reached her office. We talked about the details of the case. After, we drive to the restaurant in her car. We reaches the restaurant. The waiter took us to the table. After 15 minutes, Anthony showed up with his lawyer. A man in his 40s. They sat across the table. 

"Hello. I am Allen West." The lawyer greeted us. "I will be representing Mr. Anthony Brent."

"Hello." Nora and I say.

"So. Let's order. We can discuss things after ordering." Anthony suggests. We order our lunch.

"Mr. Brent. Why did you invited us for this meeting?" Nora straightforwardly asks. She doesn't like to beat around the bushes.

"Well. My client want to settle the case quietly." Allen says. He takes out paper form his bag. He gives those paper to Nora. Nora reads the paper.

"What the hell are these?" Nora says angrily. I take paper from her and read it.

"I am not gonna say it." I reject. The paper stated that I cheated on Anthony and had affair with a rich guy. And also that I can't have child. Because of this he is divorcing me. He is shifting the blame on me. Wow. The audacity of this person. He was the one who cheated. Now, he is putting the gun on my shoulder. How pathetic. How did I live with this guy for 2 years?

"Mrs. Brent..."Allen says.

"Call me Amy." I said.

"Amy. You have no other choice than this. The released news articles shows your affair." Allen says.

"My client is not gonna do anything you say.' Nora says firmly. "If you don't have anything  else, we can take our leave. Let's go Amy." Nora says.

"Amy. Please make it easy for us. Your reputation has already been tainted. Why do you want to spoil my reputation. Just accept the fact you have someone else in your life." Anthony says. "We don't need to make it messy."

"Ridiculous. You are the one cheated. To save your reputation you are blaming on me." I say to him. 

"That's right. I am doing this to save my reputation. I don't want my business to be affected by this." Anthony says coldly. I guess it right. He is doing this so he can save his image and reputation. If his clients or business collaborators or business partner came to know, they might not want too work with him. But that's his problem not mine. Why should I take the blame on me? Why should I let people call me cheater or unfaithful? Why should I be the bad one in here?

"You know what. Let's make it messy. You tried to ruin my reputation. Now, I will ruin yours." I say fiercely. I am not the same person I used to be. After that incident, when I almost lost my life. Adam saved me. It was sign from destiny. I have given a second chance. A chance to live my own life and to chase my dreams. I will not waste this chance on worthless people. Amy 2.0 is different. 

Anthony got angry. "Why are you making it hard?" He said nastily "What are going to do in future? Your reputation has already been ruined. No one would want to work with girl like you who is money greedy. You don't have a place to live. Are you staying with that rich guy?"

"It's none of your business." I say him. "Your concern should be how to save your image when the truth comes out." I say fearlessly. I have nothing to loose.

"You." Anthony says, his face turning red due to anger. "You think people will believe you. You are no one. Your family has disowned you. You are nothing but a broken homeless shoe. Who has nothing. No money. No job. No reputation." 

I sneer at him. "You know what. See you at the court. It's no use to talk with bastard like you." I say, stood up and began to move.

"Amy. Please. Let's talk it out." Allen says. "Anthony just want you to take the blame. If you want, you can ask for large sum of alimony."

"No, I will not give her any money..." Anthony says to Allen.

"Just shut up. I am trying to make things work here." Allen says shutting him up. "Amy. You can ask for any amount."

I laugh at Allen's tactics. What does he think that money will keep my mouth shut? But, on the other hand, it's quite the temptation. I didn't say anything.

"You know what, I am not going to give you a single penny. You can't do anything to me. You don't have evidence but I have them. Let's see you in the court." Anthony says hastily and leaves the restaurant. Allen following behind him.