Her Awakening

Chapter 27: Divorce Proceedings

The three months since their family games night passed in a whirlwind of meetings, paperwork, and difficult conversations. Melissa and Joshua both knew that their marriage was over, but ending it legally and practically was a far more challenging process. Divorce, after all, wasn't just the dissolution of a relationship—it was the unravelling of lives built together.

The first step was reaching out to their lawyers. Melissa contacted Mr. Ogunleye, her family's trusted solicitor, while Joshua hired Mrs. Coker, a pragmatic and assertive divorce attorney. Both sides had their priorities, but with the children involved, they aimed to keep things civil.

Their first meeting was held in Mrs. Coker's office—a modern, glass-walled space in the heart of London. The tension between them was palpable as they sat on opposite sides of the large conference table. Despite the lawyers' best efforts to keep things professional, the emotional weight of their decisions hung in the air.

Melissa felt a knot in her stomach as Mrs. Coker opened the meeting.

"We're here to discuss how we will proceed with the dissolution of the marriage," Mrs. Coker said firmly. "I know both parties want this to go as smoothly as possible, especially with the children in mind. So let's address the main issues: custody, property, and financial arrangements."

Joshua shifted in his chair, visibly uncomfortable. "I think we can all agree the kids should have stability," he began. "I want them to have consistency, even if that means staying in the family home whilst they are with me."

Melissa nodded, knowing this conversation was inevitable. The house had been a wedding gift from her parents, but she wanted a fresh start. Letting go of the home would allow her to break free from the weight of her past. However, she also had the children's best interests at heart.

"I'm fine with you keeping the house," Melissa said softly, glancing at Joshua. "It's familiar for the kids, and I don't need it. But I will need to move somewhere nearby, and I think it's fair to expect some help with that."

In truth, Melissa had more than enough money from her published books and the monthly allowance she received from her father since becoming a stay-at-home mum. But asking Joshua for financial assistance was more symbolic than practical. He had cheated, and she wanted him to take responsibility for that.

Mr. Ogunleye leaned forward. "Melissa is entitled to some financial support while she establishes a new home for herself and the children. However, she isn't asking for anything unreasonable, given her own income."

Joshua nodded, his expression softening. "Of course, I'll help with that. I want to make sure the kids are comfortable wherever they are."

They quickly agreed that Melissa would keep full custody of the children during the weekdays, given her flexible schedule as a writer and the help from Madame Dupont, the children's nanny. Joshua, working 9-5 at his father-in-law's company, couldn't provide the same level of day-to-day care. However, they agreed that he would have the kids every Saturday and Sunday for church service.

"Christmas?" Joshua asked, a note of hope in his voice. Celebrating holidays together as a family had always been important to them, especially with both sets of grandparents involved.

"We can still do Christmas together," Melissa said, surprising even herself. "For the kids' sake, we should keep that tradition. They don't need to lose everything familiar just because we're separating."

The custody arrangements were finalised quickly, but finances remained a point of contention. Although Melissa didn't need child support, she expected Joshua to contribute something toward their children's care.

"We'll need to work out child support," Mrs. Coker said, her tone sharp. "Joshua has been the primary breadwinner, and though Melissa is financially independent, the children's wellbeing is the top priority."

"I'm not asking for much," Melissa interjected, sensing the tension rising. "Just a fair contribution. I've got my own income so this isn't about me—it's about making sure the kids are well cared for, no matter what."

After a brief back-and-forth, they reached a fair agreement: Joshua would pay a reasonable monthly amount toward child support. The arrangement reflected both his role as their father and Melissa's financial independence, ensuring the children's needs were met without creating unnecessary hardship for either parent.

The joint savings account and the children's trust fund, which had been regularly contributed to by both sides of the family, were straightforward. They agreed to leave those untouched, ensuring the children had financial security for their future education and other needs.

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The process took nearly six months. Six months of legal meetings, awkward conversations, and trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy for the children. There were moments of frustration, disagreements about details, but neither of them lost sight of what was most important—their children and their future co-parenting relationship.

Finally, on a chilly morning in December, they met at the courthouse to sign the final papers. Melissa stood next to Joshua, both of them quiet as their lawyers handed over the final documents.

"This is it," Joshua muttered, his voice low.

Melissa nodded, her throat tight. "Yeah. This is it."

With a few strokes of a pen, it was done. Their marriage, the life they had built together, was officially over. It wasn't the bitter, angry conclusion she had once feared, but it still hurt. They exchanged a glance, a mixture of sadness and relief passing between them.

As they left the courthouse, Melissa felt an odd sense of freedom wash over her. She wasn't angry anymore. She wasn't bitter. She was simply ready for the next chapter of her life—whatever it would bring.

Joshua turned to her as they reached the street. "You'll be alright, Mel."

Melissa smiled, the weight of years of hurt finally lifting. "Yeah, Josh. I think I will."

They went their separate ways, each of them knowing that while this chapter had ended, the story wasn't over. There would still be holidays, shared moments, and family gatherings. For the sake of their children, they were still connected, still family. But now, they could both begin the process of truly moving on.