The Final Chapter
The air felt heavy as you stood in the lobby of the lawyer's office, clutching the manila envelope containing the divorce papers and the restraining order. Nicholas was by your side, his calming presence giving you the courage you needed. His hand rested lightly on your back, a silent reminder that you weren't alone. Today was the day you would serve your soon-to-be ex-husband, a day you had been dreading but also anticipating—because today marked the start of your freedom.
"You ready?" Nicholas asked softly, his voice steady and reassuring.
You took a deep breath and nodded. "I have to be."
The drive to your ex-husband's workplace was tense. Nicholas insisted on coming with you, refusing to let you face him alone. You appreciated it more than you could say, though you worried about how things might escalate. When you arrived, your lawyer was waiting in the parking lot along with a couple of police officers stationed nearby, just in case.
"This is it," you murmured, gripping the envelope tighter.
Nicholas leaned closer. "You don't have to do this alone. I'll be right there."
His words bolstered your resolve as you walked into the building, Nicholas a step behind you. When you reached your ex-husband's office, he looked up, his face twisting into a sneer when he saw you.
"Well, look who it is," he drawled, leaning back in his chair. His eyes flicked to Nicholas, and his expression darkened. "And look who you brought. Your little boyfriend?"
You ignored the comment, holding out the envelope. "These are divorce papers and a restraining order. You need to sign them."
His eyes narrowed as he took the envelope. "Divorce papers, huh?" He tossed the envelope onto the desk without opening it, his lips curling into a mocking smile. "You mean to tell me you're leaving me for him?" He jabbed a finger in Nicholas's direction. "How long has this been going on? Were you cheating on me the whole time?"
"Nothing is going on," you said firmly, your voice shaking slightly. "This has nothing to do with him. This is about you and the way you treated me."
Nicholas stepped forward, his jaw tight with anger. "You don't get to accuse her of anything. You're the one who—"
"Stop!" you interrupted, holding up a hand. You turned to both men, your voice trembling but strong. "This isn't about either of you. This is about me. I'm done with the accusations, the violence, and the control. I'm asking you to sign these so I can be free."
Your ex's expression darkened further, his fists clenching at his sides. For a moment, you thought he might actually listen—but then his rage boiled over.
"You ungrateful—" he began, his voice rising before he lunged forward, his hand wrapping around your throat.
The world blurred as you felt his grip tighten, choking off your air. Panic surged through you, and you clawed at his hand, gasping.
"Let her go!" Nicholas shouted, rushing forward. He grabbed your ex by the shoulders and wrenched him away from you, freeing you from his grip. You stumbled back, coughing and struggling to catch your breath as Nicholas held your ex in a firm grip.
"Are you insane?" Nicholas barked, his voice trembling with fury. "You don't touch her. Ever."
Before your ex could retaliate, the door burst open, and the police officers rushed in. They had witnessed everything through the office's glass walls. Your ex struggled as the officers grabbed him, but they quickly subdued him, pinning his hands behind his back and slapping on the handcuffs.
"You're under arrest for assault," one of the officers said as they led him out of the office.
You stood frozen, your hand on your throat, tears streaming down your face. Nicholas was by your side in an instant, his hands gentle as he cupped your face, searching your eyes.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
You nodded shakily. "I think so."
Nicholas pulled you into his arms, holding you tightly as you buried your face in his chest. For a moment, you let yourself collapse into him, letting his warmth and strength steady you.
"It's over," he murmured against your hair. "He's gone. He can't hurt you anymore."
Hours later, after giving your statement to the police and ensuring your lawyer had everything she needed to proceed, you found yourself back at Nicholas's apartment. You sat on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, sipping tea Nicholas had made for you.
"You were amazing today," Nicholas said as he sat beside you. "I don't know if I've ever seen someone as brave as you were."
You gave him a small, grateful smile. "I didn't feel brave. I felt terrified."
"That's what makes it brave," he said softly. "You stood up to him anyway."
You leaned your head on his shoulder, letting out a long, shaky breath. "Thank you for being there. I don't know what I would've done without you."
Nicholas wrapped an arm around you, pulling you closer. "You don't have to thank me. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I'd do anything for you, Y/N."
You looked into each other's eyes. You saw the caring and loving spark in his eyes. You finally felt comfortable. Something inside of you wanted to kiss him but you knew it was too soon. So you gave Nick a smile. You lay your head back on his shoulder and he kissed the top of your head. A pink shade appears on your cheeks as you get as close as possible to Nicholas, wrapping your arm across his abdomen as his arms are wrapped around you like a blanket.
As you sat there, safe and secure in his arms, you felt the weight of the day slowly begin to lift. For the first time in what felt like forever, you allowed yourself to believe that the worst was truly behind you—and that brighter days were finally ahead.
