Wife Swap - S01 E51

5 months ago

Wife Swap - S01 E51

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 51

I lean on my car, feeling an impending victory washing over me. The thought of Esme's face once I deliver my news brings a devilish feeling. Today, I hold a chip in my hand, a piece of evidence that can turn the tables in my favor.

I check the time on my phone again. She is late, not that she ever likes being on time. She could be, but she loves the entrance, the attention, and feeling important as everyone waits, wondering if she's coming or not. She basks in that control.

Well, I'll let her have it one last time as I send a quick text telling her that I am waiting.

She must be thinking she won, but I'll have the last laugh.

It doesn't take long before...

"Rome, darling," she purrs, a sly smile playing on her lips. "I hope you're ready to discuss our divorce settlement. I trust you've come to your senses?"

I force a smile, trying to match her cool composure. "Esme, let's not waste any more time."

She purses her lips with amusement. "Ooh, I have a good feeling about this." She chuckles, a sound that grates on my nerves, and I huff, shaking my head.

"Baby, calm down," I say with a flat expression, though on the inside, I feel like I'm on the moon, ecstatic that I'm finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Her eyebrows furrow together, confused by my calm state compared to other times when I'm just angry.

"So, are you ready to sign the paper, or better yet, we can rip them and just head to Santorini?" she smiles slyly.

"Just hold your horses, you'll love this," I smile, and her face...

"It seems you've been running an unlicensed business, and what about those taxes you conveniently forgot to file? You're playing a dangerous game, my dear," I declare.

She sold supplements online to trainers. Her products were never inspected or declared safe. I repeatedly offered to cover all the expenses of establishing her business legally, but she said they were just harmless blended proteins and other things I have no idea about.

"What are you trying to say?" That makes her realize I'm not here for games.

Her eyes widen for a fraction of a second, a flicker of panic crossing her face before she regains her composure. "Oh, Rome, always trying to play detective. But you don't have any proof, do you? It's all just empty words."

"I don't use my words in vain. You know that," she says, her eyes assessing mine, seeking answers. "Do you know the lawsuits you can face? Fines, even jail time?" I add, scaring her with even more severe terms.

"You wouldn't dare, Rome," she stares at the ground.

"I thought this was a game of threats. Tell me when you think I'm winning," I say, annoying her further.

"What do you want?" she asks, looking defeated.

I want to smile, but I choose to remain serious. She is where I need her to be.

"You've been trying to ruin me. You shall agree to my terms, and I'll leave you with your business until the law finally catches up with you," I state.

Her eyes widen. "It's not fair," she whines.

"It's more than fair. I'm giving you more than what you deserve. I once loved you, we had plans, and we shared a life. I'm not a monster to punish you and leave you with nothing. Take it, or your persistence to make me miserable will only lead to you getting nothing. You've already destroyed a lot of things in my life," I say.

She remains silent as she processes my threats. I never thought I would ever stoop this low, but to protect what I've worked for, there's nothing I'm not willing to do.

"You'll regret it if you think Athena can love you like I did," she warns.

"I don't need that kind of love again," I say.

She rolls her eyes. "Fine. I'll sign the damn papers. After all, my father has more money than I can ever exhaustively spend. I don't need yours," her voice cracks, still refusing to accept she's been defeated.

"Good for you. Now you can enjoy your father's money," I say and turn around to get into my car and leave.

She still remains rooted in her spot. Seeing her in that state, I almost feel sorry for her, but I know she wouldn't think twice to put me in difficult situations if it benefited her.

I don't allow more sympathetic thoughts. I bring my car to life and drive away. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

I check my phone, and I know that in a few hours, Athena will be waiting for me. A rush of excitement washes over me and again turns into sadness. I have no idea if this is the last time I'll be seeing her. She did keep on mentioning new beginnings, fixing herself, and learning who she is as an individual.

****

Later

Her radiant presence captivates me, and my heart skips a beat as our eyes lock from across the room. A soft smile plays upon her lips. She stands out from the crowd, adorned in a crimson dress that smoothly cascades down her slender figure with delicate ruffles dance along the edges of the dress that adds the flirtatious charm.

I take slow steps towards her, i want to remember and savor this rare moment. Words fail me, so I reach out and take her delicate hand, guiding her into the open dance floor.

My hand slides round her waist where the bodice of her dress hugs her and pull her closer to me.

"Are you ready?" I ask.

She nods filled with enthusiasm.