I saw everything.
My husband, his pants down to his ankles, my best friend’s legs wrapped around his waist.
I didn’t scream. I didn’t cry. I went back to my table, drank until my heartbreak went numb, and made a decision.
I wanted out.
What I didn’t want was Donovan Buford-my ex’s friend, his most feared rival, the lawyer who never loses-showing up every single time my life fell apart.
He caught me when I stumbled drunk.
He broke down a door when Gary cornered me.
He handed me a job when I had nowhere to go.
I told myself he was just being decent.
Then I found out that the divorce I thought I’d fought for alone? He’d been orchestrating it for years.
So what exactly does Donovan Buford want from me?
Ex’s Lawyer Friend Helped Me Divorce, Just to Have Me?! Chapter 1 The Royal Banquet
There was a line of expensive cars heading up the driveway of The Royal banquet hall where the Elites gala was being held.
Danica Roland smiled at her husband, Gary Finnegan, she had always loved attending this kind of events with him, she felt it gave them the chance to grow closer and make more memories as a couple.
Just as the driver pulled into the driveway, the valet opened the door.
A dark green carpet ran along the lawn to one side of the house leading to the impressive grounds at the rear. Gary had an arm around her, resting his hand on her waist as they followed the green carpet with a steady stream of Critport elites dressed in their finery and wearing all manner of jewelries, the lanterns lighting the way.
Two photographers marshaled guests to pose for pictures against the backdrop of an ivy-strewn arbor.
The events was grander than any of the other ones she had attended with her husband and so Danica tried her best to be sociable, interact with guests and act as elegantly as possible.
Overtime, she noticed Gary was yet to come back and she had been sitting alone for awhile.
He had told her he needed to use the restroom but it had been almost an hour now.
Danica looked around but there was no sign of him in the hall. She tried not to get paranoid, he was a grown man. He probably got caught up in a conversation with a business partner or something.
Still, Danica couldn’t shake off this feeling of unease. She stood and walked out of the hall, walking down the hallway, there was still no sign of him. She had tried calling him but he wouldn’t pick up.
The hallway was getting quieter by the second as most guests were returning back to the seats as it was time to make a toast to the host.
Signing, she turned and just as she walked a few times, she heard a sound come from a corner.
“Gary.”The voice sounded strained, like a moaning sound.
Frowning, Danica headed for that direction, just as she was few feet away, she clearly saw two people there.
Her eyes dilated, recognizing them.
It was her husband, Gary and her closest friend, Jenifer Stevens.
Danica couldn’t move, she couldn’t even breathe. The scene that greeted her eyes was unbelievable even if she was clearly witnessing it.
Gary had his pants down and had Jenifer up against the wall, with her legs wrapped around him, her dress was hoisted up around her waist and Gary was taking her again and again up against the wall.
They both seemed so engrossed in the moment and didn’t notice any presence at all.
Unable to continue looking, Danica turned and hurried back to the hall. As she sat down, she felt so shaken.
Never had she imagined that her husband was cheating on her and worse, with Jenifer?
Jenifer had always been like a good friend to her.
What did she do wrong?
Where did it all go wrong?
How could they do this to her?
She reached for her glass of alcohol and downed it in one gulp. She had tried, she had done everything to be the perfect wife for Gary.
Wasn’t that enough?
This felt so insultingly heartbreaking to her. They couldn’t even respect the fact that they all were at an event, they still found a way to get together and get all curled up in each other’s arms.
If they could ignore the fact that they were at an event, Danica could only imagine the numerous times they had gotten together.
Had he ever brought Jenifer to the house?
Had they done it in their matrimonial bed?
Tears pricked Danica’s eyes but she lifted up her head refusing to let the tears fall. She refused to break down and have people surround her, asking what was wrong. So instead, she began to drink.
She poured herself glass after glass, wanting to drink her sorrows away.
Soon, Danica was intoxicated.
Alcohol and heartbreak had never been in a good combo and so, in her alcohol filled state of mind, she felt like confronting them. She wanted answers, she wanted to lash out on Gary and Jenifer.
She just didn’t understand how they could do that to her.
As she got back to the corner at the hallway, there was no sign of Jenifer or Gary.
It seemed they were done here.
Danica scoffed. She hadn’t seen them at the hall. Had they perhaps gone somewhere else to continue.
These thoughts filled her with rage, pain and despair.
“Are you okay?”
That voice sounded behind her, Danica staggered around and vaguely saw a man.
Before her brain could recognize him, she lost her equilibrium but he quickly caught her.
Though her intoxicated thoughts were all over the place but she was sure this wasn’t Gary. His bodily scent was different and for some reason, she wanted this man to keep holding her.
She moved her head upwards, sealing his lips with hers.
If Gary could cheat on her right here, she could do the same!
The man pulled away and quickly made her stand properly.
“Danica, what the hell!” He let out, shaking her slightly as if wanting to get her back to her senses.
That worked a bit.
She gasped when she got a clear view of his face. He was Donovan Buford. He had gone to the same college with Gary.
Sure she had wanted to cheat back at that moment but not with someone who knew she was married.
“I didn’t know you were this kind of woman, Danica. Cheating on your husband at such an event?” He admonished, coldly.
Ex’s Lawyer Friend Helped Me Divorce, Just to Have Me?! Chapter 2 Donovan Buford
Danica had a “good girl” reputation for the most part of her life.
It wasn’t like she had been pretending to be good. She was genuinely a good person and be seen as a cheating wife was like a blow to her.
“I.I didn’t mean to do that. I’ve had quite a number to drink and so I mistook you for someone else.”
“Someone else?” Donovan’s voice grew eerily cold as he moved closer to her.
She quickly moved back, why did he look so upset?
It was just a little harmless kiss.
Danica panicked realizing her back was against the wall now and he was standing so dangerously close to her.
“So you were just going to use anyone who came by here to get back at your husband?”
Danica’s eyes dilated.
He knew Gary was cheating on her?
“I.I.” She sighed, seeing no need to deny it. “Fine, you caught me. I was. And since you obviously know he had cheated on me first, how dare you make me feel like a shameless woman?!” She thundered.
Surprisingly, Donovan lifted up his hand, she froze as he ran a finger through her face.
“I just don’t think this is the right way of doing things. Especially with you drunk, people tend to regret most of the things they do under the influence of alcohol.”
Oh, he thought she really didn’t want to cheat back?
Danica didn’t care if this was the alcohol speaking or her need for revenge, she wanted to get involved with another man!
So she leaned closer, pressing herself against him.
“What if I tell you I won’t regret anything right now?” She batted her lashes at her, slung him the most seductive look she could muster.
His nostrils flared and his jaw clenched.
But he gently pulled her away from him.
Digging his hand into his pocket, he brought out a business card and placed it on her hand.
Then he turned and left.
Danica blinked, wondering what he meant. Was he truly in on helping her even if he knew who Gary was?
The only thing she knew about him was that he was a well-known lawyer.
Giving her his card meant what?
He wanted her to call him?
The sudden interest in Donovan made Danica sobber up a bit more and she found her way back to the banquet hall.
Getting closer to her table, she saw Jenifer and Gary hurry up to her.
“Dani, where did you wander off to? We’ve been looking for you everywhere.” Jenifer said, having that friendly smile as usual.
If it were before, Danica would have truly believed she was a good friend.
Gary stood beside Danica and noted.
“How much did you drink? You reek of alcohol.”
Danica scoffed and stared at Gary, then at Jenifer.
“Where did you two disappear to almost two hours ago?”
Jenifer and Gary discretely stared at each other, they were certain no one had seen them at that corner because it was pretty close off.
Jenifer smiled. “I was here the whole time. I don’t know about your husband though. Come on, Danica, let’s go sit.” Jenifer cheerfully held Danica’s hand pulling her to their table.
At the other end of the hall, a pair of gloomy eyes observed the scene.
By the time Danica and Gary got home, she was of a clearer mind but her heart was pretty numb now.
Just as she held the doorknob of her bedroom, she felt Gary moving closer to her.
He pulled her from behind in a back hug and then pressed his lips against her neck.
“I might not let you sleep tonight, my wife.” He breathed.
Danica’s nose scrunched, she could smell Jenifer’s perfume on him and the scene flashed through her head.
They been wrapped around each other, muffling their moans and doing what they had been definitely doing for God knows how long.
And now, he thought he could just have her after being inside of Jenifer?
Danica felt disgusted to even be married to such a person. She pushed him away and murmured.
“I’m tired.” With that, she hurried into her room and slammed the door on his face.
Once in, she broke down, the weight of the betrayal finally settling in.
Early the following day, Danica pulled out her big luggage and started arranging her things.
She couldn’t pretend, she definitely couldn’t act like what happened last night didn’t happen.
She was done being the wife of Gary. She didn’t want to see him anymore. She had done all she could to please him and his family.
Even if his family never liked her, Danica felt staying here since he loved her. But it turns out that was all a lie.
He never did. He rarely ever told her he did. She realized she had been the one making herself believe that he loved her.
But she’s had enough.
She didn’t need him anymore.
He could go be with Jenifer.
Both lying, despicable bastards deserved each other!
She dragged her things down the stairs just to encounter Martha, her mother-in-law.
The woman stood, blocking Danica’s path.
“Where are you going?”
Danica could already guess that this woman would side her son no matter what.
She could already imagine the woman telling her she didn’t do enough and that was why Gary cheated.
Not wanting any words to put down her self-esteem, Danica quickly thought of an excuse.
She refused to believe that Gary’s cheating was her fault.
She had displeased herself countless times to please other people.
But never again.
She was never going to let anyone make her feel she wasn’t enough. She was never going to feel less of herself ever again.
Ex’s Lawyer Friend Helped Me Divorce, Just to Have Me?! Chapter 3 Finnegan family
Having no energy to deal with the old woman, Danica lied.
“My father’s ill, I’m going over to his house to look after him for a while.”
Martha scoffed. “Who gave you the permission to leave?”
Danica eyed her.
Had she truly made these people view her so small?
She needed permission to go anywhere?
“Who’s going to look after this house if you leave?!” Martha thundered.
“We have household staff for that.”
And then, she realized she had become one of the household staff to Martha, obeying her commands and serving her.
She had thought pleasing Martha would make Gary always love her.
Danica laughed out loud, feeling so stupid.
“What’s so funny?!” Martha thundered. “And what’s with that look on your eyes? Anyway, you’re not allowed to leave the house at the moment. I have an event to plan and I have some errands for you to run.”
“You’d have to get someone else to do that.” Danica replied, calmly.
Maybe Jenifer.
Martha looked stunned by her response.
“What’s gotten into you? And why are you acting as if your father is a big deal to you? You’re just an adopted child. You don’t even know your real father. Still, the Finnegans allowed Gary marry you! We gave you a name, a family. And now, you’re all packed up to go spend God knows how long with your adoptive father?! There’s no need for that so go back upstairs.”
“You keep acting as if Gary marrying me brought me great honor or something. Or made me some kind of special being.”
Martha gasped. “You ingrate! How dare you speak to me like that?!”
“What the hell is going on here?” They both turned to see Alana, Danica’s best friend walking in.
Alana had just got back from a business trip and she had wanted to come hang out with Danica.
She was surprised to see Danica’s luggage as well as the screaming mother-in-law.
“Maybe you could talk some sense into this ungrateful friend of yours!” Martha let out.
Alana had never liked the old woman and the Finnegan family in general but she tried to be respectful. After Danica finished explaining that she wanted to leave but Martha wasn’t letting her.
Alana turned to face Martha.
“It seems you’re forgetting that this house is registered under Danica’s name. She can go and come as she please. She doesn’t need your permission.”
“This is my son’s house! And as Gary’s mother. This is my house and Danica has to follow my rules. It’s the least thing she can do. After all, what other values has she brought to this family? Instead, she makes Gary question his decision to inherit the family business, all she brings is bad luck!”
“I’ve told you countlessly. That has nothing to do with me! And I do not bring anyone bad luck, maybe the one who does is you!” Danica shot at her.
Enraged, Martha moved forward and slapped her across the face.
Alana gasped. “You!”
Danica quickly held Alana back.
Straightening, she stated at Martha, squarely.
There was no need beating around the bush anymore so she lashed out.
“This house is a marital property to both me and Gary. You never belonged here and this is the last time you’d ever lay your hands on me! Your son isn’t even worth all these!”
“How dare.?”
“Gary and I will be getting a divorce. So maybe you can marry your son or give him out to any one that suits your taste. I’m done here!”
Danica signaled at Alana and they both headed out of the house, ignoring Martha who kept shouting and cursing.
After leaving the Finnegan’s Mansion, Alana and Danica had stopped by a cafe to get coffee and talk.
Alana had been quite shocked to see Danica standing up for herself against the Finnegans. For awhile, she had tried to make Danica see that a man who loved her would not allow his mother treat her that way.
But Danica always defended Gary and it seemed now that she had finally accepted that Gary never loved her.
Danica opened up to Alana and told her about Gary and Jenifer’s affair. She also told Alana that she and Gary has had separate rooms during their three years of marriage.
Gary always said he valued his personal space so he rarely let her enter his bedroom. Danica realized now that he had kept a safe distance from her so she would not ever get suspicious about him cheating.
She wondered if he had cheated on her during the entirety of their marriage, she wondered how many woman he’d cheated on her with.
Shaking her head, she realized that there was no need to wonder about all that anymore.
He clearly never loved her, she had to get a divorce and move on from him.
Alana held her hand, assuring her that everything was going to be okay.
“I thought you were coming back next month, why are you here so soon?” Danica asked, changing the topic from the depressing state of her life.
“My father ordered me to come back. He says it’s high time I learn the ropes of the family business. I’m even assigned to a project already. And it’s a major one at that. My old man has so much faith in me,”
Danica smiled. “Well, I do too. I know you’re going to kill it.”
“Oh, the project involves Ford Group. You know Ford Group, right? Owned by the richest family in town.”
“The Buford family?”
“Yes, I think Dad said the eldest son of the family is leading the project from their end, Donovan Buford.”
Danica frowned.
The Donovan Buford she knew was a top lawyer.
“Is it the same famous lawyer, Donovan Buford?”
Alana nodded. “You know him?”
Danica swallowed.
The same man she had tried to seduce last night was the eldest son of the most powerful family in the country?!
Just as she was reeling in her shock, someone walked into the Cafe.