"Hi Diane," Cora said with a warm smile, setting aside the dusting cloth as Diane entered.
Diane dropped her purse onto the console table, exhaling heavily. "That man is impossible, Cora. I swear, I don't know how I put up with him for so long."
Cora's expression turned sympathetic. "What happened, is everything ok?" She gestured for Diane to follow her into the living room.
Diane collapsed onto the couch, running her hands through her hair. "Ian called me after my therapy session. He's still trying to strong-arm me into accepting his ridiculous divorce terms. I'm convinced that he honestly thinks he can just dictate everything, and I'll just roll over."
Cora sat beside her, concern etched on her face. "You didn't give in, did you?"
Diane shook her head vigorously, her long hair whipping around her face. "Absolutely not. We actually have a meeting tomorrow with our lawyers to really try to figure things out." She exhaled heavily, frustration etched on her features. "But honestly, Cora, I really don't have the patience to deal with all this."
Cora nodded sympathetically, her eyes filled with understanding. "I get that. I'm really sorry that you have to be dealing with this, though. I can just imagine how taxing it is." Her voice was soft and soothing.
"You have no idea," Diane replied, her voice laced with exhaustion. She slumped back into the couch, running her hands through her disheveled hair. "He just ruined my whole mood, and I was so happy too, because I have a date with Aaron tonight." A faint smile flickered on her lips at the thought.
"Speaking of Aaron," Cora said, concern lacing her tone, "did you ever mention to him that you're in the middle of a divorce?" Her brow furrowed, eyes narrowing slightly.
"I did," Diane said, a gentle smile on her lips. "He surprised me with an impromptu lunch date this afternoon, and as fate would have it, my lawyer called to inform me about the meeting."
"Really, how did he respond?" Cora asked curiously. "I mean, considering that you guys have a date tonight I'm sure it was a good response."
Diane's eyes sparkled with appreciation. "He was incredibly understanding and supportive. He listened attentively, asked all the right questions, and made me feel better about the whole situation."
Cora nodded approvingly. "That's wonderful. He's already showing he's really invested in you, Diane."
Diane's face glowed softly. "I couldn't agree more. You know, I think there's something special between us. I mean sure we've only had a few dates, but the connection feels real."
Cora's eyes lit up with excitement. "I knew it! I could sense it from the way you talked about him. What are your plans for tonight?"
"We're playing it loose tonight," Diane said, grinning. "He suggested either dinner or a walk, he hadn't fully decided. Just told me he's coming to get me at 7."
As they chatted, Diane's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her heart skipping a beat. "Speak of the devil, it's him."
Cora raised an eyebrow. "Answer it! See if you can get any hints about tonight so we can know what style we're going for for you tonight."
Diane's face flushed, but she picked up the call, her voice soft and sultry. "Hey..."
Cora watched, intrigued, as Diane's expression changed from anticipation to delight.
"What's he saying?" Cora mouthed.
Diane grinned, holding up a finger. "Just a minute..." She listened for a moment, her smile growing. "Okay, sounds perfect," she said, her voice warm. "I'll see you soon."
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...
