The Contract

Chapter 182-The Divorce

The flame from the lighter danced briefly in the night before I brought it to the cigarette between my lips, taking a drag, the burn steadying my nerves.

I picked up the newspaper and read the headline.

Breaking News: Travis Ferraris and Pearl Vega Reportedly Headed for Divorce Amid Christmas Scandal

The whirlwind marriage of Empire Corporation CEO Travis Ferraris and acclaimed wedding planner Pearl Vega appears to be nearing its end. Insiders have revealed that the ongoing fallout from the Christmas night scandal, involving Pearl’s rumored kiss with businessman Aiden Miller, has pushed the couple toward divorce.

While neither party has issued an official statement, sources close to the situation claim that Travis and Pearl haven’t been living together for almost a month. One insider disclosed, “Travis moved out weeks ago, and Pearl has been keeping to herself. This isn’t just a rough patch—it’s the beginning of the end. Both of them seem ready to walk away.”

The Christmas night controversy—where Pearl was allegedly seen sharing an intimate moment with Aiden Miller—sparked waves of speculation about the couple’s relationship. Many are now pointing to this incident as the breaking point for a marriage already plagued by rumors of being a contract rather than a true union.

Reports have surfaced suggesting that Travis has been meeting with his legal team in preparation for the split. “Travis is a private man, but he’s clearly had enough,” the insider continued. “He’s focused on protecting his name and his company, and he’s not interested in being part of this circus any longer.”

Meanwhile, Pearl has maintained a low profile since the scandal, appearing only briefly at her wedding planning firm and dodging questions from reporters. Her silence has led many to believe she is bracing herself for the fallout of the divorce.

Fans of the couple have expressed mixed emotions about the situation. While some are sympathetic, others feel the writing has been on the wall for months. “They weren’t even living together for weeks before the scandal,” one observer commented. “This just confirms what everyone suspected: it was never a real marriage.”

As rumors continue to swirl, one question remains—will Pearl and Travis address the public, or will this high-profile union fade quietly into the headlines? Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.

This was published by Vanguard Press once again, they were doing a great job. Whatever happened to LA Times.

How predictable they were and how fast was this. The news was out already, days after the papers were signed and sent. They were quick and it had began making me wonder who their insiders were.

I let out another breath of smoke and leaned by the railings staring down at the living room. It's been a day or two since I left the house and no one has been over.

By no one, I meant Kourtney. She was still reeling over my confession that day, she was still trying to heal from the betrayal of it all and I'm certain this news wouldn't phase her as much.

I took another drag of the cigarette and flipped to the next page, this one had Aiden on it and it honestly didn't surprise, I guess we both will be the architect of our ruin.

It brought a little smile to my lips, I was loving this phase of my life.

My phone began buzzing in my pocket and I got it out, right on time...family members has began flooding my phone with calls and texts. They've seen the news and weren't that elated.

Everyone was so predictable, the first call was from my mother, then Bella and then Bethany, Aunt Lucy, Natalia, and when I didn't pick up, Derrick called...yeah yeah, I know... Derrick!

That one surprised me. Some people tried twice but one person didn't call. I kinda wanted her to call to make sure she wasn't still as mad as she was when she left.

But then the door was thrown and my eyes shot down immediately to see her stomp in, her eyes searched around until they locked with mine.

She came up the stairs and I stood rooted at that spot, not knowing what to expect. She snatched the cigar from me and dropped it on the floor before stepping on it. "Stop smoking that. It will kill you" she said, her eyes brimming with tears.

I gulped down, not knowing what to say but it hurt me deep inside, knowing I caused that. She stepped forward, pulling me in and went stiff immediately. She sniffed in and began sobbing on my shoulder.

My hands wrapped around her and I pulled her closer, holding her still while she fell apart. Like I said, my actions always affected those around me.

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"You know what? " she asked, placing down the bottle beside on the table. "We should hit a club tonight"

I was genuinely thrown aback by her suggestion, "who are you and what have you done with my best friend? " I asked and she chuckled.

"I hate clubbing and we all know how my last one ended" I reminded, taking a bite out of the sandwich.

She got quiet after that and I looked up, "it wasn't your fault, Kourtney"

"I shouldn't have left your drunk ass" she muttered, taking a sip from her glass. "Oh please, no one can tolerate my drunk ass, not even me. It wasn't your fault"

She sighed and leaned on the table. "Let's...run away together"

"What?!" I laughed, placing down the sandwich. "I'm serious, Pearl. Let's get out of all this" she declared, this time serious.

"You're getting married" I reminded and she paused. "I don't care..."

"Kourtney," I began softly, reaching across the table to clasp both her hands in mine. Her fingers trembled slightly, but she didn't pull away. "Yes, my marriage is falling apart," I admitted, my voice steady despite the weight of my words.

"But that has nothing to do with you and me. I would never want to come between you and Davis—so please, stop blaming yourself."

Her face softened, and I saw the storm brewing in her eyes—the familiar glimmer of tears she was struggling to hold back. I knew another waterfall was coming, but I couldn't bring myself to stop it. She needed to feel this, and so did I.

Gently, I let go of her hands and leaned back, returning my attention to the meal in front of me. The silence between us was heavy, yet oddly soothing. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt a strange sense of peace just being here with her.

This moment was mine, though she didn't know it. She didn’t need to know it. These were my last days, and I had chosen to spend them this way—not to hurt anyone, not to disrupt anything further, but to find a fleeting moment of solace.

This was for me. Something I needed to do before the walls I’d built came crashing down, sparing everyone else from the wreckage.