Marriage and Annulment

We were outside the mansion an hour later. Zander will be going to school in the province. Zaneska, on the other hand, is in her office.

“Just take care of yourself, sweetheart,” Zander advised, “and I hope you’ll be good news for me when I get home this weekend.”

“Just in case, what’s the news?” Zaneska asked.

Zaneska notices that Zander looks on her tummy. Her brow furrow.

“You might be pregnant already.” said Zander and winked at her.

“Come here first.”

She approached the window of Zander’s car. So he kissed her immediately.

“I love you so much.”

“I love you too.” he replied.

When Zander’s car drove away, Zaneska waved and got into the car, driving it away from the mansion. At 8:00 a. m., Zander arrived at school. Because of the force of his driving, he was already drenched in sweat. When he stepped out of the car, he noticed Duke waiting for someone.

Duke asked, “I thought you weren’t coming; aren’t you having trouble with that?”

“Why?” he asked.

“In your situation, you’re here and your wife is in the city. It’s too much of a hassle for you to come home. You have a house here. You can live with Zaneska. Since your mother has separated from Uncle Agusto with Melissa. Didn’t you and Zaneska talk about that?”

“So far, we haven’t had a fight about our arrangement, but I’m not sure if she can stay at home and care for me; she’s used to someone doing things for her,” Zander responded.

“Of course, being Zander’s wife, she know a lot about the kitchen. She won’t marry you if she can’t take care of you. She didn’t like other rich women who just rely on maids,” Duke explained.

“Let’s talk later, Duke,” Zander said, “I’m sure my students are already waiting.”

“Of course,” 

Zander walked into his classroom. All of his students were inside, he noticed.

“Good morning, Class,” Zander said. “I’m sorry, sir is a little late.”

“It’s fine, sir,” his student Claire explained, “we’re just reading here in the room while we wait for you to arrive.”

“Wow, really?” 

They all replied, “Yes.”

“Very good, so this recess time I’ll serve you all snacks.” he says.

Everyone exclaims, “Yeheey!”

Zaneska had also arrived at her office. Calvin was sitting in her swivel chair when she arrived.

Calvin said, “I thought you weren’t coming, sister? I’d have sat here until this afternoon if you hadn’t come.”

Zaneska replied, “Why don’t you sit there while this company is still alive; I’d like to take a break.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Calvin exclaimed, “I still have a lot of rice to eat to get to where you are.”

“Why not? Randolf is there to help you.” she said.

“If you want to take a break, just put Randolf here,” Calvin suggested.

The door then opened, and Randolf walked in.

Randolf wondered, “Why did I hear my name all the way out of the office?”

Zander was able to leave the school at four o’clock in the afternoon because he first followed the order to serve snacks to his students because they are good kids. Because he is tired of travelling to the city, he may stay at their house first, even if he is alone. So he decided to relax first by going to town to freshen up. He has already texted Zaneska that he will not be returning to the city at this time. When he said he was tired and couldn’t go home, she immediately understood.

He was hungry as well, so he decided to go to a restaurant first because he was too lazy to cook right now. When he gets home, all he wants to do is sleep. He wants to talk and be with Zaneska when he is alone like this. Maybe he’ll just ask her to stay here with him and leave Randolf and Calvin to look after the company. And the eight women were there because Lazzy and Lucas had previously shared a home. He has memorized all of their names over the last year. Those people are already a part of Zaneska’s life, and he is also a part of Zaneska’s life because he is her husband.

He walked into the carenderia and sat down. And sat in the corner after ordering food. It’s not right for him to be alone in this manner. He has a wife, but he is currently alone eating.

After paying, he left the diner a few minutes later. He took a walk first because he was extremely full. He noticed a woman enter the store when he turned to the left. Even if her hair is so short that he can’t ignore her face, he can’t be wrong. Mitch was the one who gained weight and darkened. Without Mitch’s knowledge, he approached her. He admitted he doesn’t love her anymore two years ago, but now that he sees her again, he’s confused.

Bumalik lahat ang nararamdaman niya para rito.

There is a mixture of pain and joy.

He exclaims, “Mitch!”

“It’s great to see you again today, Zander. How are you doing?” Mitch asked, as if they were old friends.

“It’s all right, you? I guess you’re gaining weight,” Zander said.

“I heard about you,” Mitch said. “How’s Zaneska and the two of you getting along? It’s been two years and you still haven’t lost your good looks.”

“It’s fine. Are you two still seeing each other?” he asked.

Mitch was taken aback for a moment.

“No, I misplaced my sim card with her number, so I couldn’t attend the wedding of the two of you,” Mitch explained, smiling.

Zander could tell she was pleased. He didn’t seem to mind that she had abandoned me. However, it is inappropriate to discuss such matters because they are both content. How will Zaneska react when she learns that she and Mitch have met?

“I want closure, Mitch,” Zander said. “Perhaps you’ll tell me why you left me then.”

Mitch’s eyes enlarge. She is unable to look him in the eyes.

“Is that even necessary, Zander? You’re married now,” Mitch said.

“Of course, I’d like to hear your side of the story so we can be friends just in case,” Zander said.

Mitch nodded, but Zander noticed that she was hesitant to say anything. Mitch brought him to the plaza and sat him on a concrete bench.

Mitch coughed.

“When my father was diagnosed with severe leukaemia and I didn’t have enough money to admit him, I approached Zaneska because I knew she could lend me money. Two million dollars was demanded to pay for my father’s illness. Zaneska lent me, but she said something that I ignored because I knew she was joking,” Mitch explained.

Zander was jittery. He refuses to believe Zaneska was involved in his and Mitch’s separation at the time.

He asked, “What is that?”

“Zander, it’s been a long time. It’s all in the past. Maybe time wanted us to split up so you could be with her,” Mitch explained.

“I’m curious,” Zander said, his voice cold.

“I don’t want to be the reason you’re upset with her; you two are married in God’s eyes and the law, so please let’s end this conversation,” Mitch said.

When Zander stopped Mitch, she was about to stand up. Mitch has reclaimed her seat. Mitch let out a sigh.

“Don’t be angry with her. I’m to blame for why we broke up. I can refuse the money. But Zander, my father’s life is at stake. So I’m willing to lose our relationship just to save my father’s life,” Mitch said, crying.

This is excessive. When he learned Mitch’s reasons, rage welled up in his chest. His failure back then was due to the woman he loved and married. She was a scumbag who disguised herself as a nice woman. How could she do such a thing to her own best friend? Didn’t she feel any remorse? What kind of individual is she? He married a woman who was self-centered.

He left Mitch out of rage.

“Zander!” it exclaims. But he ignored her and continued walking until he reached his car, which he stopped. He switches off his phone so he won’t be able to contact Zaneska. He wasn’t ready to discuss it yet. He’s furious right now.

Zaneska was concerned because she had been unable to contact Zander. If his phone’s battery is low, he keeps it turned on even when it’s charging so that if he gets a call, he can answer it right away. But it’s now completely turned off. She was concerned that he would suffer some sort of misfortune. Zander had not returned home after a week.

Her heart was pounding with so much anxiety that she couldn’t take it any longer. She hasn’t been able to contact Zander since then.

So she dialled her mother-in-laws number. 

Her question on the other line was, “Hello, Zaneska, do you need anything?”

“Did Zander go there, Mom?” Zaneska asked, “because he didn’t come home to the mansion, and I still can’t contact him because his phone is off.”

“Did you two have a fight? He slept here on Saturday and was here in the morning but left; I asked him if he was going home to the mansion and he didn’t respond,” her mother replied.

“We’re fine, mom,” Zaneska replied. “We didn’t fight.”

“I’ll ask him and tell him you’re looking for her,” her mother said. “Be careful there, Zaneska.”

“You’re there, too, mom,” 

Zaneska sat her phone on the table. She sat back in the living room on the couch. She was already perplexed by what had occurred. Because the girls have returned to the province, she is still alone in the mansion. She can’t hear anything but her breathing because it’s Sunday and there’s no office. The front door opened, and Zander walked in without smiling. She approached him and kissed him on the cheek, but he ignored her and proceeded to the master bedroom. As a result, Zaneska followed.

“What’s wrong? I’m calling you because I can’t reach you. I asked my mother, and she said you slept there, but you didn’t really tell me?” Zaneska wondered.

“You’re my problem, Zaneska,” Zander yelled. “Mitch and I met, and she told me everything.”

She fell silent all of a sudden. Her husband had never yelled at her before.

“Do you believe that?” Zaneska inquired as she regained consciousness.

Zander screamed, “So now you’re telling me Mitch is lying? You’re a selfish bitch!”

What Zaneska heard had a negative impact on her. She was about to cry, but she refrained.

“Really? So you believe her more than me?” Zaneska exclaimed. “I’m your wife. It’s been a long time since you said I was just joking that time. It’s not my fault that she believes what I’m saying. She could refuse the money. She had always had a choice!”

“So your true nature came out as well. You won’t help unless you get something in return, and you forgot she was your bestfriend. You know how much I loved Mitch back then,” Zander said, causing Zaneska to lean against the door.

“How about me? You’re saying I’m the one you love now. You married me because you love me so much, but what happened? You just saw her change everything? Let’s move on, Zander, Mitch was just a part of your past. I just teased her, but she believed only one thing meant she didn’t really love you,” Zaneska said.

“Shut up! You made a mockery of everything, including our relationship. Damn you!” Zander exclaimed.

Zaneska replied, “Because I love you!”

“Are you kidding? You have no idea how to love, Zaneska. You only care about your own happiness, not the happiness of the people you love. Let’s break up. Let’s stop this,” Zander said.

Zander snatched all of his belongings. And it’s all tucked away inside the travel bag.

Zaneska yelled, “What are you doing? Put all your clothes back in the closet!”

“I’m leaving because this relationship between us has no destination, and you didn’t really love me before I knew it,” Zander said.

“Calm down first. Let’s talk politely; you’re not going to leave; I won’t allow it,” Mitch said.

She gathered Zander’s belongings and stuffed them back into the closet. She did, however, keep a firm grip on her hand.

“Let me go before I hurt you physically,” Zander said to her.

In Zander’s grip, Zaneska felt the pain in her arm. For a brief moment, she was taken aback. When Zander became enraged, she didn’t expect him to act violently. Her arm was red, she noticed. As a result, she had no choice but to flee. And I walked into the guest room.

Zander was enraged when he noticed Zaneska didn’t cry and apologise for what she had done wrong in Mitch’s relationship. Zander smiled and nodded. After all, she wasn’t sorry. He was carrying his travel bag. And then he went up into his car and drove away from the mansion. He understands that his relationship with Zaneska is over. He was  set on broke up with her. Because of the chasm in their lives, they don’t matter.

Zaneska was in excruciating pain. Her heart appeared to be ripped apart. The words of Zander were jumbled up. Her tears streamed down her cheeks, but she didn’t cry. She had not anticipated the severity of the situation. Zander claims that no matter what problems arise in their relationship, he will always be by her side and that he loves her, but this is not the case. It’s all just a bunch of words. She only loved once and with one person, but the pain was multiplied. She had no idea that the impact of the joke she had told earlier was the cause of her loss. Life is so cruel because when she is happy, the pain will come. She was happier back then  even she was alone.

Zaneska arrived at the office on Monday. She tried to appear vivacious in order to hide the fact that she was going through a difficult time. When she entered the office, Randolf was sitting on the couch, staring at her intently.

“What’s up with your appearance, Randolf? Did I do something wrong?” Zaneska asked.

“Nothing, I just happened to see your husband in the restaurant last night, and we struck up a conversation, and he told me everything you’ve done,” Ramdolf explained.

“How do you deal with the prospect of him breaking up with you?” Randolf asked.

Zaneska sighed and took a seat on the couch.

“Nothing, I let him go and cool his head. Because he might be enlightened he will come back to me.” Zaneska replied.

“Really?” Randolf countered. “But you’re wrong, he told me that his decision to divorce you is final.”

Zaneska was deafeningly quiet. She is aware of the situation. So what else is there for her to do?

Randolf inhaled deeply.

“You can resurrect your old brave self. You can cry because you’re hurting. It’s not like you don’t have it, but you’ve already been crushed. Please, cry. I’m here for you. No one will mess with you,” Randolf said as he hugged her.

Zaneska was unable to restrain herself. He didn’t cry when Zander said something, but he cried a lot when Randolf arrived. This man has been by my side through the ups and downs of life. He knows more about me than I do.

“I’ve done the wrong thing with them, and it’s only right that I pay for it,” she said, sobbing on Randolf’s shoulder.

“This is too much. Your mistake is forgivable. But why can’t he forgive you? It’s because he doesn’t truly love you. I didn’t say this to hurt you. But this is a sad reality. Cheer up. Even if someone has broken up with you, we are still here to truly love you, “Randolf said, wiping her tears away.

“Thank you!”

It’s been a few days now. Zaneska’s day was still going strong. She can cope, even if she is sad and hurt. Zander never contacted her again after a few days. Randolf was the only one who knew about their split. It’s also better if no one asks, even if she doesn’t agree, because that’s what will happen.

Lucianna greeted her with, “Good morning, Miss.”

“Good morning,” Zaneska inquired, “why is the mansion quiet? Where are they?”

“They’re already in the office, and I left to cook for you before coming in. You’re fine, but why do you look so thin?” Lucianna wondered.

“You know how thin I am; by the way, it’s been two years; do you have any plans to marry?” Zaneska asked.

Lucianna laughed and shrugged her shoulders.Belongs © to NôvelDrama.Org.

“All men are liars. Even the most attractive ones. Appearances can be deceiving. No matter how hard you try to hide your true nature, the truth will eventually come out. Just like your husband,” Lucianna said.

“What are you talking about, Lucianna?” Zaneska asked.

“We are family here, ma’am. The pain you are going through will be our pain. If I didn’t hear when your husband came home and you fought because of the mistakes you made. You haven’t told us yet. And then I started crying.

She hugged Lucianna as she approached her.

“You don’t have to cry; everything will be fine; I’m fine,” Zaneska said.

The girls then emerged, and everyone rushed up to her and hugged her. She assumed they’d all walked into the office. As a result, they all began to cry.

They thought they’d entered the office after half an hour of talking. She covered her face with make-up so she wouldn’t be seen crying. She sat down in the swivel chair in her office. She has a limited number of permanent documents. As a result, she’ll sign it before adding anything.

Randolf walked in through the open door. He had his gaze fixed on her.

“Is there another issue, Randolf?” she asked.

Randolf remained silent. A folder, however, was placed in front of her. She took it from the shelf, opened it, and began reading. Her eyes were dripping with tears. This is a copy of Zander’s annulment papers. It is necessary for her to sign.

“This is ridiculous, Randolf; do I deserve this treatment? I hope he doesn’t marry me if we end up like this!” Zaneska exclaimed.

And all of her belongings were strewn across the floor after she threw them. She’s completely insane.

“Miss, calm down. You don’t have to yell. We’re not at home; we’re in the office, and someone can hear you here,” Randolf reprimanded.

“I don’t care! All I know is I’m hurting,” Zaneska said. “They’ll ask what’s wrong with me and why my husband filed an annulment. I don’t have a personal problem.”

“I’m not going to sign it.”

“Let go of someone that he don’t want to be with you. You’re just hurting yourself. It’s as if your life will be peaceful.” said Randolf.

Zaneska was silent. She sat down on the couch and took out a ballpen and signed the document. So this is the end of her happy days. If this is the line of her destiny is if she grows old alone so be it.

Months, days and years were hard for Zaneska. But she insists on being steadfast for those who love her. It’s been one and a half years since their annulment was granted. It was painful for their marriage to end. For Zaneska she was back to her old life and herself. She had long accepted that they weren’t really for each other.