Alicia stood frozen, she couldn't believe her ears, it's like she didn't hear her clearly.

"W...what? A divorce?" She asked, to be sure she heard correctly. "You can't be serious about this Mrs. Bridget. Tell me you're joking, please tell me you don't mean this." She pleaded, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Oh I am serious about this, Alicia. My son is done with this marriage, and we're done having a disgrace like you for a daughter in law. We're tired of everything, so just do us all a favor, and sign those papers!" Mrs. Bridget ordered.

"You can't do this to me! Not after everything I and Adams have been through together. Are you simply going to throw all that away? Are you going to forget everything just like that? All because you believe I'm barren" She cried. "I can take all your silent treatments towards me, I can even take the cold shoulders you give me, but this? A divorce? No Ma'am, I can't take this so please don't do this to me. I know Adams doesn't want this. I know you're the one forcing this on him. Where's Adams? Where's my husband!?'' Alicia screamed in tears. She even tried going close to Mrs. Bridget, but she roughly pushed her away, and if she hadn't maintained her balance, she would have fallen.

"Don't you dare touch me with those filthy hands of yours!" She snapped, her voice boomed with so much rage and hate. "You think we put him up to this? What do you take us for?" Mrs. Bridget scoffed in disgust.

"No one is putting him up to anything, this is the right thing to do, he can't continue having a useless woman like you for a wife. You're of no use to him Alicia, and that's the reason he's ending this stupid marriage of yours. I really shouldn't have allowed him marry you in the first place! If I had known that you were barren, then I wouldn't have allowed my son to marry you.''

"Mrs. Bridget!" Alicia screamed in tears. "You have no idea what you're saying, I'm not barren, so please stop saying that. I'm actually car—"

"Enough!" She rudely cut her off. "Nothing you say will change our mind, Adams has made the decision to get rid of you and that's it!" She snapped.

"You have no idea how much we despise you, Alicia. My son sincerely want nothing to do with you anymore, you're nothing but a gold digger and you're only depending on his wealth. I was right when I called you bad luck because you're truly surrounded by nothing but negative energy and that's why you can't even make a single progress in your own career!''

"Your damn career went downhill and it's all because of you and your bad luck, now you're trying to transfer your bad energy to my son, but before you even dream of making him loose everything, we're going to get rid of you first, it's your bad luck that has caused you to be barren and a barren woman is of no use to us."

"You're nothing but a failure, Alicia! And you've failed in every areas of your life, as a wife and even as an author! You're a failure, Alicia. You hear me, a failure!"

This was the limit to everything Alicia can take, these words got her pissed and for the very first time, she stood up for herself.

"Enough!" She yelled, surprising Mrs. Bridget and her husband. All traces of pain gone, only to now be replaced by a burning feeling of rage.

"That's enough Mrs. Bridget!" She stated firmly. "I've been enduring everything for so long now, even the insults you throw at me, but this is the limit to all I can take!" She yelled.

"I won't let you insult my career and call me a failure, no Ma'am! You have no right at all to call me that. You think I've failed in my career but you're wrong, and if you think I'm with your son for his wealth, then you're wrong too, and I'm going to prove it to you, to all of you." She said with gritted teeth.

"I'm going to show you all that I can be successful without any of you in my life. I don't need your son's wealth, you hear me! I don't need a wicked and heartless man like your son and you all don't even deserve anything good in your lives! I hate you all so much. I hate you all with every fiber of my being and if it's a stupid divorce Adams want then I'm going to give it to him."

"Let's end this charade and go our separate ways. I'm going to sign the damn papers so you can all live your lives in peace!" She yelled in tears, breathing heavily.

Her eyes were getting red, and her face puffy, even her tears has soaked her shirt, despite the heater in the room, she still felt so cold, so cold and broken.

"Good, the sooner you sign it the better." Mrs. Bridget replied, and with that they left, not sparing her a single glance.

When they were gone, Alicia staggered towards the couch and collapsed on it, she took sometime to reflect on a lot of things and her life as well.

Mrs. Bridget hurtful words kept on ringing in her ears, filling her with even more pain and anger, she's never been this hurt or broken before. The marriage she's been trying her best to keep together has finally came crashing before her very own eyes, the thing she feared the most has finally happened and there was nothing she could do about it.

Adams doesn't deserve her, a vile and evil man like him doesn't even deserve happiness or be told that he's going to become a father. His and his parents actions today gave her every reason not to tell him about her pregnancy. She's not going to tell him about this, her baby deserves better, her baby deserves a good father and Adams was far from being one.

He doesn't even have the guts to face her and say whatever it is he wants to say to her, rather he sent his parents to do his dirty work for him.

"Shame on you, Adams. Shame on you!" She cried out. "How could you do this me? How could you end it all this way? Do I really mean nothing to you? How could you do this to me?" She wept bitterly.

In anger, she stood up and went to pick up the divorce papers from the floor, as well as the pregnancy results which had also fallen from her hand. She ran upstairs to her room and searched for a pen which she was lucky to find.

She stared at the divorce papers in her hand, feeling so reluctant to sign them, but everything she's been forced to go through in the hands of Adams and his parents, including all the insults she's been receiving came flooding in her head and that gave her the courage she needs to sign those papers.

Without a second thought she signed the divorce papers and that was when it became clear to her that everything was finally over.

Her marriage with Adams has finally come to an end.

It's all over.

It took a few days for Adams and Alicia's divorce to finally be finalized, and Alicia had to wait until the divorce was finalized before she could leave Adams home.

On the day that she was finally leaving, the joy Mrs. Bridget felt knew no bound, she even came over that day because she wants to watch Alicia leave, the woman they consider a disgrace.

As Alicia struggled to bring down her suitcase, Mrs. Bridget was just standing at the door watching her every move, she was impatient to see her leave her son's home and kept on clicking her tongue in discomfort due to the time she was taking in bringing her suitcase down.

"Can you just hurry already!" She snapped. "How long will it take for you to finally get yourself out of here!?" She questioned with an eye roll.

Alicia heaved a deep breath, it wasn't like her suitcase was that heavy, but the little act alone seems to have tired her out. She waited a while to catch her breath before finally bringing it down.

She slowly dragged her suitcase out, when she got to where Mrs. Bridget stood, she paused to look at her, to stare at the same woman who had once loved her dearly; the same woman she once considered her own mother. Her heart was in so much pain and all she wants to do at this moment was cry, but no, she's promised herself not to shed a single drop of tear on this day.

"If you're done staring you can get your barren lowlife self out of this house!" Mrs. Rose voice jolted her out of her thoughts.

Alicia shook her head, her eyes holding nothing but pain and disappointment. For the few days that she stayed here while the divorce was getting finalized, she had thought she would see Adams, but he hasn't even been home for days, it's like he's avoiding her, like he really doesn't want anything to do with her anymore. The only person that came home was his mother, and she didn't fail to hide her joy that they were finally getting divorced. She made sure to shower her with so much insults, while calling her barren and a failure, only that this time, Alicia didn't fold her hands and take in everything, she stood up for herself, after all, she'll be divorcing her precious son, so there's no need to give her any respect when she doesn't even deserve it.

"Get going already, Alicia!" Mrs. Bridget snapped. "You're wasting time and I hate it." She added.

"I truly never expected this from you or your son, but mark my words. I will prove it to you that I'm not the weak woman you and your son think of me to be, I'm not weak and I'm going to be successful. The career you keep mocking me about, I'll excel in it and one day, you all will be on your knees begging me to forgive you!" She said with gritted teeth, glaring at Mrs. Bridget with so much hate in her eyes.

Mrs. Bridget couldn't help but laugh at her words. "We'll see about that, Alicia. I wish you a good life, and sorry to any unfortunate man who will eventually choose to pick up the trash my son has throw away." She fired.

"No, sorry to you and the unfortunate woman that'll choose to be with a man like your son. A man who can't even do anything by himself, and would rather send his mother to do his own bidding!" She retorted, staring deep into her eyes.

Mrs. Bridget face was red with anger, she couldn't even stand her presence anymore. "Get lost!" She barked. "And take this with you." She brought out a little brown envelope from her purse and threw it at her. "Adams last parting gift to you.'' She smirked.

A part of Alicia wanted to leave it on the floor, but another part was curious to see what was in it. She looked at Mrs. Bridget, then the paper, as if contemplating on what to do.

"Go ahead and pick it up, I'm pretty sure you'll want to know what's in the letter." Mrs. Bridget urged.

Alicia heaved a deep breath before slowly bending to pick it up. She opened the envelope and brought out the letter in it. As Alicia read the content of the letter, tears welled up in her eyes, and no matter how hard she tried to hold back her tears, she just couldn't do it. She didn't want to believe that Adams would write such a thing to her, but this was his handwriting, so it's useless not to believe that he wrote this letter.

The letter was filled with so much insults, he told her how he regrets marrying her in the first place, how happy he was to finally be able to get rid of her, he also said the sight of her disgust him, and that's the reason he didn't even come to see her. He himself called her a failure, and also mentioned that no one would want to ever be with a woman like her. So much was said in the letter that she almost couldn't believe that Adams would say such things to her.

That letter was the final straw that shattered her heart. That letter filled her with so much pain, regret and hatred. The tears in her eyes continued to flow uncontrollably.

"I'm pretty sure Adams already made everything clear to you, so shu away." Mrs. Bridget waved her hands to her like she was chasing away an animal.

Alicia didn't bother to say anything else to her, she just grabbed her suitcase and left, not bothering to take one last look at the place she once considered her home.

That same day, she decides to leave the country, she wanted to be so far from Adams and everybody, she didn't want to continue living in a place that's only brought her so much pain and heartache, she's going to leave Seattle and start her life afresh in another country. She used part of the money she's been saving to create travel documents and left the country for London.

She made a promise to herself never to return until she was successful, the child in her womb only fueled her determination to work hard until she was successful, just so she can give her baby the better life her baby deserves and also prove to her ex-husband and his family that she can be successful without their help.

All this she vowed to achieve no matter how long it takes.

***

The day Alicia left was the day Adams returned from his business trip, and he came to meet an empty house, he searched everywhere for Alicia, but she was nowhere to be found.

Adams immediately went to his parents home to inform them about Alicia's disappearance, and Mrs. Bridget told him that Alicia already left after signing the divorce papers.

"Divorce papers? What divorce papers?" Adams asked in confusion.

"The ones you signed." Mrs. Bridget stated the obvious.

"I didn't..." Adams trailed when he suddenly remembered. His eyes widened with shock as the realisation hit him hard.

Due to how things were, he had prepared he and Alicia's divorce documents and signed them, but he had kept those documents in his office at home, so he has no idea how his mother was able to get her hands on those documents.

He hasn't even talked to Alicia about this because he wasn't sure about wanting to divorce her, and now that this has happened, he's now sure of what he wants. Having those divorce papers was a mistake, he never should have done them, and he should have destroyed those papers before going on his business trip.

Rage flashed in Adams eyes. "What have you done, mother?" He asked, staring at his mother with so much anger in his eyes.

"I've helped you." Mrs. Bridget replied in an isn't it obvious tone. "It's a good thing I and your father visited your home after you left, and that's how I was able to see the divorce papers you kept in your office, and I've done you a huge favor by giving them to Alicia."

"But I don't want this divorce!" Adams thundered. "I don't want to divorce, Alicia. What the hell have you done, mother? What right do you have to do this? Couldn't you have mind your business and leave things the way they are?"

Mrs. Bridget furrowed her brow in confusion. "I...I don't understand." She scoffed in disbelief. "If you didn't want to divorce her then why have the divorce papers made, and you even signed them!"

"I..." Adams ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "I wasn't sure what I wanted, but now I know that I don't want to divorce Alicia. Having those divorce papers was a huge mistake, and I should have destroyed them before leaving."

None of this matters to Mrs. Bridget, all that matters to her is that she's finally managed to get rid of Alicia. "Well, it's useless crying over spilled milk. What's done is done and we can't change it. You should be happy because you did the right thing by getting rid of that barren woman.''

"Don't call her that!" Adams fumed. "I swear to God, mom. If you hadn't been my mother, then I would have made you regret your actions in the worst way possible." He balled his fist in rage, trying so hard to control his anger.

"I'm going out there to look for my wife, and you better pray I find her." He turned to leave, but his mother stopped him.

"You should at least see what she left you before leaving." She went to grab her purse and brought out a letter from it. "Alicia wanted this divorce, and she didn't even hesitate to sign the papers." She said as she gave him the letter.

Adams snatched the papers from her hand, and hurriedly opened it. The handwriting was Alicia's, and when he read the things she wrote, his heart broke, he never knew Alicia despised him this much, he never knew she regrets getting married to him.

Adams couldn't afford to break down in front of his parents. He glared at his mother, shook his head in disappointment before leaving.

Mrs. Bridget kept on calling out to him, but he completely ignored her. All he needs right now is a private space where he can express all his emotions.

So this is how it all ends; his marriage with Alicia.

Who would have believed that the woman he loved dearly harboured such hatred for him.

****

A month later....

It's been a month since Adams and Alicia's divorce; a month since Alicia left without a trace.

His parents didn't want to waste anytime in getting him a new bride. They already found a lady who was perfect in their eyes and they've even started making the wedding preparations for Adams and his new bride who they had full confidence in her fertility.

Although Adams wants nothing to do with this wedding. He clearly told his parents that he wasn't interested in getting married to anyone, but they completely ignored his refusal, and began preparing for a wedding that Adams had sworn to not even participate in.

Adams soon caught a terrible flu and had no other option than to visit the hospital to get checked and given proper treatment. The hospital he went to was the same hospital Alicia had visited a month ago since that's more like a family hospital, it's the hospital everyone in his family gets treated.

He's already made an appointment with the Doctor, so when he arrived, he simply made his way to her office. He got to her office and knocked on the door, few minutes later, he was ushered in.

"Welcome Mr Adams." The Doctor greeted with a bright smile on her face.

"Good day Doc." Adams replied while taking a sit.

"How are you feeling?" The Doctor asked.

"Sick." Adams replied, he instantly covered his mouth with his handkerchief and coughed into it.

"So sorry Mr Adams, I assure you that you'll be fine since you'll be well taken care of." The Doctor said, and Adams nodded in reply.

She was about asking him more questions when Alicia crossed her mind.

"Pardon my manners Mr Adams, I forgot to ask about your wife Mrs Alicia."

Adams was about correcting the Doctor and telling her of his divorce, but she beat him to it.

"And yes, how's the baby too? Hope she's taking good care of herself and being extra careful with things?"

Adams frowned deeply. "What? What are you talking about Doctor?" He asked, confusion written all over his face.

He was surprised to hear her ask of a baby when he knew his ex-wife wasn't even pregnant.

"You didn't know?" The Doctor asked in surprise.

"Know what?" Adams asked, his heart already beating so fast.

"Mrs Alicia came to me a month ago to take a pregnancy test and it was confirmed that she was 2 months pregnant. She was so excited that day, I've never seen that kind of happiness before and she was going to tell you about it, so....I'm quite surprised at your reaction to my question."

Adams couldn't believe his ears, it felt like he was in a dream or maybe he must have heard wrong.

"I...I...I don't get it Doctor, what are you saying? I'm certain that you must be mistaken, Alicia? Pregnant?"

"Yes Mr Adams." The Doctor confirmed. "I know what I'm talking about and I'm not mistaken because I took the test myself."

"Your wife Alicia is pregnant."

"She's carrying your child!"

At this moment, it felt like a bucket of ice has been poured on Adams, he sat there frozen, the Doctor's words repeatedly ringing in his ears.

"No....this can't be possible."

"It isn't possible!"

Adams totally forgot about the main reason he came to the hospital in the first place, at this point his flu wasn't even important anymore. He had hurriedly left the Doctor's office and was now outside, standing beside his car.

"A...Alicia is pregnant, Alicia was carrying my child." He kept on repeating, while struggling to breathe at the same time. He placed his hand on his chest, then he bent down a little as he tried to catch his breath.

"Alicia." He muttered as hot tears rolled down his cheeks, he couldn't bear to keep standing, he slowly dropped to his knees, crying bitterly.

Most people passing by the parking lot gave him weird looks, it's rare to see a man dressed in an expensive suit and driving an obviously expensive car crying like a baby in public.

"What have I done? What have I done?" He cried even harder.

All these while he's been so cold and rude to her, he had sworn to always be there for her and defend her at all times, but he had let his parents insult her and treat her like dirt because she couldn't give him a child and they had thought she was barren. He knew how much she loved her job as an author, he was so well informed about her passion for writing and when her career had started going downhill, he was supposed to be there for her and support her, but he didn't do anything of such and rather insulted her, he mocked her and called her a failure.

"Oh God!" He screamed in pain as he angrily hit his hands on the floor.

The one who has failed wasn't Alicia but him, he's failed woefully as a husband.

"I'm so sorry Alicia, I'm so sorry." He cried.

He stayed that way for sometime as he reflect on all his actions, feeling so terrible and guilty. He managed to pull himself together and that was when he stood up, now he has only one thought in mind and that was to find his ex-wife Alicia and seek for her forgiveness for everything he's done to her.

He hurriedly fetched his phone from his pocket and tried calling her, but her number was unreachable, he tried countless of times but it was all to no avail.

He got into his car and drove off, everything in his head was now Alicia and ways on how to locate her.

Adams drove straight home, when he arrived, his parents were already there waiting for him.

"Adams." His mother called in excitement as she rushed to him, she was so concerned about telling him about the wedding plans that she didn't even notice how red his eyes were from all that crying and his face puffy.

"Everything for the wedding is almost ready, Helen will also be here soon."

Adams heaved a deep breath. "I already told you that I don't want to get remarried, and if you still insist on pushing on with this damn thing, then you and dad can get married to her. You both better stop wasting your time because there won't be any wedding!" Adams stated furiously.

"You should have a specific reason for not wanting to get married Adams. I mean think about everything. What will people say? I already told all my friends about your wedding, think about Helen and her parents, this will be a disaster."

"Well I don't care about any of that mother, and I certainly don't care if this will be a disaster or not, or care about what people will say or not say. I'm not getting remarried, and that's final!" He snapped before leaving for his room.

His parents shared a worried look, they couldn't understand what was happening. Adams should be happy about this marriage because they only want what's best for him.

"I told you this was not a good idea. We should have just listened to him when he said he didn't want this wedding." Mr. Antonio said.

"I thought he would eventually come to his senses, and see that we only want what's best for him, but now's not the time to blame me because I've got other matters on my hand." She scoffed, then she left.

Now she's going to have to face another embarrassment by calling off this wedding.

Meanwhile, when Adams went to his room, he immediately placed a call through to his best friend who was also his manager at work and he picked up almost immediately.

"Hey Adams, what's up?"

"Mike, I really need you to do something really quickly for me."

"Err...sure, what's it?"

"Alicia, I need to locate her, use any means possible in getting me her whereabouts and I need you to report to me immediately."

"Are you being serious Adams? Why are you suddenly looking for Alicia when you were the one who divorced her. I'm still really mad at you for what you did to her because she doesn't deserve any of that."

"Now's not the time to judge me Mike, just do as you're told!" Adams snapped, then he hung up.

Mike was his best friend, so he was well informed about everything that's happened, he was never in support of how Adams and his parents had treated Alicia, he even tried warning Adams about divorcing her but Adams never listened and now he's paying a huge price for his actions. What he did to Alicia will forever hunt him and his guilt will forever eat him up, not until he finds her and pleads for her forgiveness.

Hours went by before Mike finally called, when his phone rang, Adams hurriedly picked it up, not even bothering to check who the caller is.

"Mike." He called, and he could hear Mike clear his throat loudly from the other end.

"I've got some information Adams and you certainly won't like what I have to tell you."

Adams felt his heart sink deep into his stomach when Mike said those words, and it took a lot to urge him to continue.

"Alicia is no longer in Seattle Adams, she's left the country, there's no way to locate her. She's gone Adams, gone."

"What!?"