Unhappily Married by; Rachel N.

Part 6

CHAPTER SIX

Xavier woke up to a shocking scene one morning - his father walking into the room with a woman and a young boy in tow, introducing them as his new family. The timing couldn't have been worse, as Xavier was still reeling from the loss of his mother. He struggled to accept this new reality, especially since his father seemed to be moving on so quickly.

Maxwell, his new stepbrother, was a constant thorn in his side. Xavier tried his best to get along with him, but it was like trying to mix oil and water. Maxwell was annoying, always getting under his skin with his constant pranks and teasing. And his mother, Xavier's stepmother, was a force to be reckoned with - a strict, dictatorial presence who seemed to delight in making Xavier's life miserable.

Despite his efforts to be civil, Xavier found himself growing more and more resentful of his new family. They seemed so complete, so perfect, while he was still grieving the loss of his mother. When his father passed away, Xavier felt like he was expected to step into his shoes and carry on the family legacy, whether he wanted to or not.

He reluctantly agreed to attend business school, even though his heart wasn't in it. And then, to add insult to injury, Maxwell had the audacity to choose a bride for him - Nikita. Xavier felt like he was being treated like a puppet, with no say in his own life. And now, Nikita was divorcing him, citing his family's toxic behavior as one of the reasons.

Xavier was devastated. He didn't come home for days after the divorce papers were delivered, unable to face his family's smug, self-satisfied faces. They seemed to be enjoying the drama, constantly asking for updates on the accident he and Nikita had been in, like it was some kind of twisted entertainment. Xavier felt like he was living in a nightmare, with no escape from the clutches of his toxic family.

"Where's Nikita?" Helena asked Maxwell, her voice laced with a hint of excitement, as if she was missing her favorite toy.

Helena's curiosity got the better of her after several days of not seeing Nikita's face around the house. She didn't bother to ask how Nikita was faring after her collapse or if she was recovering well at the hospital. Her only interest was in knowing what was keeping Nikita from returning to the house, and more specifically, from fulfilling her duties as a daughter-in-law.

Maxwell stopped in his tracks and turned towards her, a sly smile spreading across his face. "She's divorcing Xavier," he said, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

Helena's eyes widened in shock, her mouth hanging open in disbelief. "What?!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the room. She exchanged a look with Eugene, her daughter, and her expression turned calculating. She had married Nikita into the family, and according to her own twisted logic, that meant Nikita had to come to her first if she was getting a divorce.

Maxwell raised an eyebrow, enjoying the drama that was unfolding. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice innocent.

Eugene, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up. "She left, as in... she's no more coming here?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Maxwell nodded. "Yes, she's gone."

Helena's face turned red with anger. "Why?" she demanded, her voice shrill.

Maxwell shrugged. "Seriously? You're asking why? Put yourself in her shoes and answer the darn question," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Helena's eyes flashed with anger, but Maxwell just turned and walked away. "Where are you going to?" she asked, her voice stopping him in his tracks.

Maxwell turned back to her, a smirk on his face. "Where else? Work," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "And um, I'll be moving out," he added, his voice casual. He turned around and left with a smile on his face.