Chapter 5
I arrived at the courthouse early on Friday to wait.
As expected, when the time came, Ewen Wood was nowhere to be found.
After waiting for an hour, I grew impatient and checked Felecia Ford’s Instagram, only to find they were still miles away, riding horses on the plains.
I was at a loss for words, realizing it was futile to wait any longer today.
The lawyer informed me that if we couldn’t reach a divorce agreement, we’d have to live apart for two years before entering the divorce litigation process.
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I silently contemplated, thinking this might be the best course of action for now. Felecia Ford probably couldn’t wait for two years.
Leaving the courthouse, I returned home to make my final preparations.
I ran my fingers over the photo of the three of us on the bedside table, where we were all smiling without a care in the world.
It was taken at Disney when Demir Wood was four years old.
Back then, I said Demir was too young to truly enjoy Disney and suggested we skip the trip.
Ewen Wood tousled my hair affectionately.
“I’m taking my wife,” he said warmly. “Everyone loves Demir, but I need to show
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you more love.”
“In my heart, you’re always my little crybaby.”
Ewen Wood kept his word, meticulously planning the trip down to every detail, focusing on things I would enjoy and want to do.
Under the Disney fireworks, he kissed me in my princess dress.
old?
“Manvi, I want to travel with you every year and take lots of pictures. When we’re
we can share our love story with our grandchildren.”
Unfortunately, by the third year, when Felecia Ford joined the company, Ewen Wood
started to change.
At first, he talked about her like gossip,
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mentioning a new female subordinate who worked harder than the men, frequently keeping everyone late, which annoyed the team but pleased him as the director.
Gradually, Ewen Wood started to talk about Felecia Ford with a mix of admiration and
concern.
“Felecia Ford drank a whole bottle of liquor today to secure a client. It’s tough for a young woman like her”
“Felecia Ford was the top performer in our group again.”
“I found Sia crying alone in the back stairway. It’s surprising to see someone so tough being so vulnerable in private”
I asked him, “Have you noticed how often you mention Felecia Ford every day?”
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Ewen Wood was taken aback. He wanted to argue but found himself at a loss for words.
This change in him, perhaps even he couldn’t fully explain.
Our travels turned into Ewen Wood’s “unavoidable” business trips.
His camera’s focus shifted to the poised and attractive Felecia Ford.
I cried, confronted him, pleaded for the sake of our family, urging him to stay away from her.
All I got in return were accusations of being unreasonable.
Between us, only the child remained, and words were scarce.
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Even the child began to side with Felecia Ford. They seemed more like family, while I felt like a meddling nanny.
Looking back at old photos now, the past happiness feels like a distant memory.
Memories, sharp as knives, cut deep.
I tucked the photos into the drawer, taking none with me.
Packing my bags, I closed the door behind me. Before leaving, I sent Ewen Wood a message: “I’ve mailed the divorce agreement to you. For the sake of the child, I hope we can part amicably without things getting ugly.”
Ewen Wood immediately called: “Manvi Nelson, how long are you going to keep
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up this charade? I deliberately didn’t show up to give you a break and not pursue it. If you genuinely want a divorce, I’ll be back tomorrow!”
I paused, speaking calmly, “I won’t be here tomorrow. Once you’re back from your trip, sign the agreement. I’ve arranged for a lawyer to handle it.”
“The house is sorted, and I’ve mailed the keys to your office. That’s it.”
Without hysterical accusations or further argument, Ewen Wood, surprisingly, seemed uneasy.
“Manvi Nelson, is this necessary? It was just a trip without you. And now you’re running off on your own.”
“If you genuinely want to go somewhere,
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wait until Demir and I get back, and we’ll go with you again. I’ve told you, Felecia Ford and I are innocent. I just admire her work ethic.”
When I remained silent, his tone softened, “If you want to work, I can talk to some friends, and you can take a laid–back position that doesn’t interfere with taking care of the family. It’s better than overthinking things.”
He made me chuckle, “So in your view, my value is just to stay home? Even if I go out to work, it should be a casual job, just a pastime, then come back home to fulfill my nanny duties?”
“Ewen Wood, you know as well as I do what’s between you and Felecia Ford.”
“But that’s not the main point. The main point is we’re finished.”
