Ambergris Locakboxes Traveled Salt Routes by Hugh Calder 23

Twenty–Three: Her Desperation.

Cassienne stood outside the courthouse with Dreston’s lawyer, her fingers tightly clasped together. Merrick was beside her too. He was like a silent but steady pillar she could lean on. The sun had barely risen at that time and she was already feeling tired. All she wanted was to get this done with already.

But Dreston was late.

The lawyer checked his wristwatch again, irritation was clearly written all over his face. “The magistrate has been waiting,” he said under his breath. “If he doesn’t arrive soon, this will be postponed. Possibly for another two weeks.”

Cassienne’s heart skipped painfully. She can’t afford to wait another two weeks to finalise their divorce.

If Dreston’s parents returned before this divorce was finalized; everything could change again. She knew how much influence they had over him. She had lived in that lie for five long years, and she refused to step back into it.

She reached for her phone, ready to call Dreston herself. But just as she found his contact on her phone, the sound of an expensive engine cut through the air.

A sleek black car pulled up in front of them. And then she froze.

The car door opened, and Dreston stepped out slowly, like a king arriving at his palace. One of his bodyguards stood beside him, holding the door open.

Then another door opened. This time, it was Tina, her appearance caused Cassienne’s chest to tighten.

Dreston held Tina’s hand carefully, helping her down as if she were made of glass. His grip was gentle and protective on her. His eyes never left her face.

Cassienne stood there, watching the scene play out in silence, and she felt disgusted already.

Something sharp twisted inside her chest, but she quickly pushed it down. There was no point feeling hurt anymore. This was exactly what she wanted. This was the end of her suffering.

She turned her face away, straightened her shoulders, and lifted her chin.

She would not break here.

The moment Dreston noticed Merrick standing beside Cassienne, his jaw clenched hard. His eyes darkened, and he looked ready to explode, but Tina squeezed his hand gently, whispering something into his ear. Whatever she said made him restrain himself.

The lawyer cleared his throat. “Since everyone is here, we should go inside before the magistrate cancels the proceedings.”

They began walking toward the courthouse steps.

Suddenly, Dreston spoke from behind them, his voice came out sharp and filled with bitterness. He couldn’t help himself.

“Even when I heard about it, I didn’t believe it,” he said. “But now I’ve seen it with my own eyes. You’ve been cheating on me all this while… with him?”

Cassienne stopped walking. And she turned slowly.

Her eyes met his, cold and steady. “You are the one who cheated,” she said calmly. “You kept a mistress openly, and you still brought her here today. She’s here to make sure I keep my promise, to make sure her unborn child doesn’t become illegitimate.”

Her voice did not shake. No. It was steady and accurate.

“As for Merrick,” she continued, pointing slightly toward him, “he is my friend. You’ve always known that. So stop trying to twist the truth to excuse your own infidelity.”

Her words hit Dreston like a slap, causing his face to harden.

“Then explain why the video of him carrying you like you belonged to him is all over the internet,” he snapped. “Have you no shame at all?”

Cassienne’s blood boiled.

She took a step forward, her hand lifting instinctively, ready to slap him. But she stopped herself and inhaled deeply.

It didn’t matter anymore.

This man was no longer worth her anger.

Slowly, she lowered her hand and smiled faintly. A calm, dangerous smile that played on her lips.

“It’s useless talking to you,” she said softly. “We’re done, Dreston. I advise you to focus on your investments instead.”

Her eyes shifted to Tina.

Tina had been unusually quiet since arriving. No tears. No drama. Just a calm expression on her face.

Cassienne almost laughed.

“I am the least of your worries now,” Cassienne said, her gaze steady on Tina.

Then she turned away.

Merrick said nothing. He didn’t need to interfere. He trusted her strength. He knew that the Cassienne he used to know is talking now. And he was proud of her.

They continued climbing the stairs.

But Dreston was burning inside.

Even though the divorce was about to be finalized, something inside him refused to accept it. He wasn’t ready to let go. Not like this. Not when she looked so strong, so proud and so detached.

Just the day before, he overheard some staff whispering in the office. They spoke confidently about his wife having an affair. They laughed about it as they were so certain of it. 2

At that time, he had walked away as if he didn’t hear them.

Then Tina came to him, crying and talking about how Cassienne stole her project.

That alone pushed him over the edge. He was so pissed that he had to summon her.

Cassienne was changing, and he hated it.

That was why he told the lawyer to proceed with the divorce.

She had told the lawyer she wanted nothing from him. No house. No money.

That alone should have told him something. But he couldn’t accept it.

She had lived with him for five years. She carried his name. How could he let her walk away with nothing?

He had to instruct his lawyer to prepare a settlement anyway. A penthouse, and enough money for her to live comfortably.

At least, she would still be under his care.

But now, watching her walk proudly beside Merrick, as if she had already replaced him…

It enraged him.

For a moment, he felt like canceling everything, and Tina sensed it immediately.

She tightened her grip on his arm and leaned closer, whispering softly, “It’s fine. You’re only doing what you should have done years ago. You can see she has already moved on. Let her go.”

Dreston nodded slowly, thinking that maybe she was right.

If Cassienne wanted freedom so badly, he would give it to her.

But one thing was clear.

If she thought he would sit back and watch her give herself to another man…

Then she truly did not know him at all.

Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.