Two Sides of Us

Chapter 14: Andrew

The remainder of the week passed in a haze, the days blurring together as the impending court date loomed over me like a storm cloud. By the time Thursday morning rolled around, the nerves had hit me so hard I could barely keep my hands steady. My fingers fumbled with the tie around my neck, and the harder I tried to get it right, the worse it seemed to get.

"Here, let me do it." Lily's voice broke through my frustration, and before I could protest, she had stepped in front of me, gently pushing my hands away. Her movements were quick and a little haphazard, but I was too grateful to care. I watched as she focused on the task, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"Since when did you learn to tie a tie?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light, but the tightness in my chest was hard to ignore.

Lily smirked, glancing up at me briefly before returning to the mess of fabric in her hands. "Well, someone had to learn. I figured it was about time I picked up a few useful skills. You know, just in case my big brother has a meltdown over something as simple as getting dressed."

I forced a chuckle, but it came out more like a grunt. "I'm not having a meltdown. Just... trying to make sure everything goes smoothly today."

Lily's eyes flicked up to meet mine, a knowing glint in them. "Right. Because nothing says 'smooth' like shaking hands and a tie that looks like it was tied by a toddler." She gave the tie one last tug, stepping back to assess her work. "There. Good enough."

I looked in the mirror, grimacing at the slightly crooked knot, but knowing I didn't have the energy to fix it. "Good enough," I echoed, taking a deep breath and trying to steady the thumping in my chest.

Lily's teasing smirk softened into something more sincere. "You're going to be fine, Andrew. It's just a formality, right? Sign some papers, show up, and then it's over. You can move on."

I nodded, though I wasn't entirely convinced. The whole situation felt surreal—standing here, getting ready to finalize a divorce with a woman I hadn't even known until a few days ago, and doing it all while my life seemed to be spiraling in a million different directions.

When I'd told Lily about the marriage—that I was married to Bella's college roommate, Emily—her initial reaction had been laughter. I could still hear it echoing in my head, the way she'd thrown her head back and laughed like I'd just told her the funniest joke.

"Of all the stupid things," she'd said between fits of giggles, "I thought Brittany was the only cousin who did stuff like this. But you, Andrew? Marrying someone just to impress investors? I have to say, I'm impressed."

I'd rolled my eyes at the time, but now, standing in front of the mirror with my tie still slightly askew, I felt the weight of her words pressing down on me. It was ridiculous, wasn't it? The lengths I'd gone to secure my future, to build this life—the lavish penthouse, the company, the entire image I'd crafted for myself. It all felt like it was hanging by a thread, and now, with this divorce, that thread was fraying.

Lily's voice brought me back to the present. "You know, maybe it was for the best that you got married in the first place," she said, her tone thoughtful. "I mean, look at what you've accomplished because of it. The investors would never have taken you seriously if you hadn't done it. And now... well, now you're having a baby with someone who wasn't even your first wife. I wonder what they'll think of that."

She said it with a playful grin, but there was an edge to her words that made my stomach twist. "They're probably going to love that," I muttered, sarcasm lacing my voice. "I can already see the budget cuts coming."

Lily laughed softly, but there was a seriousness in her eyes. "You're going to be fine, Andrew. You always find a way to make things work."

I wasn't so sure about that, but I didn't have the heart to tell her. Instead, I forced a smile and patted her shoulder. "Thanks, Lil. I don't know what I'd do without you."