MISTAKE 91
Chapter 91: preparing for divorce
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Anya was home when she suddenly recalled her sister’s situation. She remembered hearing about Richard Madison, a senior from high school who led the chess club she was in. The other day, she had heard he was now a highly regarded divorce lawyer. According to them, he was not only entirely known in his field; he was in their city.
texted some friends from school and asked around for his information. After getting it,
she dialed his number.
“Richard, it’s Anya Jones. We went to high school together.”
Richard’s warm voice came through the phone. “Anya, it’s been long.”
She could tell he was somewhat taken aback by her call. “Sorry, some friends from school said you have become a really good divorce lawyer, and I wanted to get your opinion on something,
she explained.
“Is this about your marriage?” he asked, his voice colder than she recalled. You will need to book an appointment. I usually don’t take work off hours.”
“No, it is about my sister Emma Jones. At the moment she goes by Emma Johnson,” she said.
“Emma Johnson? I seem to have some time, so I’ll summarize the details,” he said after a
pause.
As Anya narrated the distressing details of Emma’s situation, her sister’s arranged marriage to Charles, and the escalating mistreatment, Richard listened intently. “I’m sorry to hear about your sister’s ordeal, Anya. We need to ensure her safety. Tell me more about the specifics. Has Emma reached out to anyone for help?”
Chapter 91. prepanjuj
Anya sighed, “Enima–hasn’t sought help. She endured this for her son. She seems to think there is no way out. But I want to get her out of that marriage.”
Richard’s voice seemed to become colder as he talked. “I understand, Anya. We must prioritize Emma’s safety. Do you have any evidence of the mistreatment? Text messages, photos, anything that could support our case.”
“I’ve gathered evidence for a while; if there’s any way we can help her legally, I’m prepared.”
“Okay then, come into my office tomorrow with her. She needs to want to get out, or else I can do nothing. Anya. Let’s schedule an appointment tomorrow to discuss the details in person.”
“Thank you, Richard. I will stop by with her tomorrow; please text me the address.”
Meanwhile, back at her uncle’s office, Martin Jones stared at his phone as he made plans, realizing that Anya wasn’t like her sister, Emma. He only needed to show weakness, and Emma willingly wore the wedding dress to help him out. Frustrated and angry, he dialed a number on his phone.
“Hugo, we might have a little problem. Anya is not cooperating,” he said.
“You wanted to give your niece to me for a slot in the city bid happening soon. Do I need to help you convince her, too?” a cold voice said from the other side of the phone.
“No, it’s just that since she is unwilling… maybe there is something else I could…”
“So, you promised your daughter to me and could not deliver, but you are making it sound like I am forcing you. If so, then get your slot through someone else. I don’t wish to be the devil of this story.
Afraid he would end the call, Martin Jones panicked, a determined glint in his eyes. “Don’t worry, Hugo. I’ve got everything under control. All I am asking is, if I send her over, keep her
well.”
His words held another meaning, but Hugo still caught it. Martin was going to hand her over by force. Hugo did not mind as long as Anya gave his family a grandchild.
The next day,
Anya called her sister, Emma, urging her to meet at a nearby park Waiting amidst the trees and soft sunlight, Anya glanced anxiously at her watch. Soon, Emma emerged, looking confused.
“What’s going on, Anya? You sounded mysterious on the phone,” Emma questioned as they hailed a taxi.
Anya hesitated momentarily before answering, “I’ll explain when we arrive. It’s important, Emma.”
They soon arrived at a tall office building. Anya and Emma walked into the glossy modern building, and Anya stated her name and was directed to the twelfth floor to Richard’s office. The atmosphere shifted as they stepped into the lobby, the polished floors echoing with their footsteps. Anya had Emma wait while she asked a receptionist for Richard’s office. Soon, they were led to large oak doors. A secretary had them wait before informing Richard they were there. All the while, Emma asked why they were at a legal office. She had seen the signposts when they walked in and understood they must be there to see a lawyer. But Anya still refuses
to answer.
Soon, they were let in. Anya knocked lightly before leading Emma in. Inside the office were Richard and another lawyer.
“Richard, It has been so long. Thank you for making time,” Anya said the moment she walked Into the large black–and–white office.
“This is Harry Kent. He will be taking this case with me. Please sit.” Richard introduced the other man in the room.
Chapter 91 preparing for divorce
On the other hand, Emma was stuck at the entrance, despite Anya’s urge to walk in. The moment she saw who it was, she was frozen in place.
In a dark suit, Richard rose from his desk to greet them. However, Emma’s reaction was unexpected. She froze in the hallway, her eyes widening in recognition.
At this moment, her mind raced. She had not seen this face in years. There was even a time she felt she would never see him again. She inched into the office uncomfortably and walked over to Anya’s side. She wished Richard politely and looked away.
“Emma,” Richard replied flatly.
Emma’s face displayed a mix of surprise and discomfort as she muttered a response. Anya was no fool. She raised her brow as she looked between them, wondering if there was a history
between them that she had been unaware of.
“Emma, we’re here to talk about your divorce from Charles. Richard is an excellent divorce lawyer, and I thought he could be a great help.” Anya began the moment they settled down.
Emma, avoiding Anya’s gaze, insisted, “Anya, it’s a marriage of convenience. I knew what I was getting into. I don’t expect anything from Charles, and he doesn’t expect anything from me. It’s a transaction, nothing more.”
Anya, however, was committed. “Emma, I get that you entered into this for our uncle’s business, but domestic abuse is not something you signed up for. You can’t keep enduring this because it’s a marriage of convenience. It’s not okay for Charles to hurt you.”
Emma’s–expression darkened. “I appreciate the effort, Anya, but I don’t need a lawyer. I am not getting a divorce. I’ll figure this out on my own.” Her discomfort was evident for all to see. She quickly got up from her chair and was about to leave when Anya grabbed her.
“Emma,” Richard started to say, only to be cut off.
Charter
“I appreciate your concern, but I must handle this on my terms. I’ll find my lawyer & sanded” Emma said, her gaze shifting from Anya to Richard.
“Emma, do you think I care about the unusual circumstance? I don’t. I would not have bothered if you were happy. Even if you were not happy, I would not have gone out of my way to find a lawyer if it were just a stupid marriage. He hit you!” Anya insisted
“I know what you are worried about, but they are an affluent family. They would not push too far for their reputation,” she said.
“Then what about Henry?” she asked, and Emma’s struggle seized.
“What about him? He is the more reason why I should stay. Do you want him to grow up in a broken home?” She asked, her eyes starting to water. Content © copyrighted by NôvelDrama.Org.
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