Diane's cheeks flushed. "I...I don't know," she stammered, unsure how to react. Her divorce proceedings had left her feeling vulnerable, and Aaron's sudden interest caught her off guard.
Aaron chuckled. "No pressure, I promise. Just a friendly dinner to make amends for your caffeine-fueled crime against my shirt." His warm tone put Diane at ease.
Diane's hesitation waned. "Okay...that sounds nice," she said, her voice shy and timid.
Aaron's face lit up. "Great! I'll give you my number. Would tonight work, or is that too soon?" He pulled out his phone, his fingers poised to type.
Diane's mind whirled. Tonight did feel too soon, but she didn't want to dismiss the opportunity entirely and she certainly didn't want to let caution hold her back. "Okay, tonight." She smiled,
Aaron grinned. "I'll pick you up at 7?"
Diane nodded, feeling a spark of excitement. "Sounds good."
As they exchanged numbers, Diane took a glance at her watch. "Sorry to cut this short, but I really must run. It was great talking to you." She hastily gathered her belongings. "Sorry again about the shirt." She smiled softly.
Aaron walked her out of the coffee shop. "Don't worry about the shirt. Consider it a small price for the opportunity to meet someone as lovely as you." His warm smile left Diane feeling fluttery. "Take care until tomorrow."
"You too." She smiled as she waved him goodbye.
Diane settled into her car, feeling a mix of emotions as she pulled out of the parking lot. The unexpected encounter with Aaron had left her with a flutter in her chest. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt that spark.
As she navigated through traffic, Diane's thoughts shifted to her meeting with Emilia Rothsfield, her lawyer and close friend. Emilia had agreed to handle her divorce from Ian, and Diane appreciated her trusted guidance.
The GPS announced her arrival, and Diane parked outside Emilia's office building. With a determined sigh, she grabbed her purse and stepped out into the crisp afternoon air.
As she entered the office, Emilia's assistant greeted her warmly. "Diane, right this way. Emilia is waiting for you."
Emilia, a poised woman in her mid-40s with a sharp jawline and piercing green eyes, stood up from behind her desk. "Diane, welcome. Please, have a seat. We're getting right down to business. Now, let's review those documents and discuss the next steps."
Diane handed Emilia the divorce papers, carefully annotated with her concerns. Emilia's eyes scanned the documents, her expression focused.
"Okay, let's break this down," Emilia said, her voice professional but compassionate. "You've noted disputes over the division of assets, specifically the vacation home, both yours and Ian's mutual business interests as well as alimony."
Diane nodded, a mix of emotions swirling inside her. "I know it's complicated, but I want to ensure I'm protected."
Emilia's gaze met hers. "I'll make sure you are.
Diane nodded, feeling a sense of relief that Emilia understood her concerns.
"Let's start with the vacation home," Emilia suggested. "What are your thoughts on its division?
"The vacation home holds sentimental value," Diane said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "Ian and I bought it together, thinking it would be our family's haven. But after...everything, I don't want to keep it."
Emilia nodded thoughtfully. "Understandable. Have you considered proposing a buyout or sale?"
Diane hesitated. "I'm not sure. Ian might contest it. He seems so hell bent on hurting me. And after what I've read in these documents, he's not going to make this easy in the least."
YOU ARE READING
Scorned
ChickLitDiane's world came crashing down around her after nine blissful years of marriage. The devastating discovery that her husband, Ian, was having an affair with his secretary, Lauren, was only the beginning. The betrayal cut deeper when Ian callously a...
