The Day After The Divorce Novel by Mary Ann _ Novel




The Day After The Divorce Chapter 01

Seven years ago, Tristan Gardner signed the divorce papers I handed him without a second thought, just so he could go abroad with the fake heiress, Sophie Jennings, for her recovery.
As he hurried out, he sneered, "Rowena, spare me the pathetic schemes. Fifi is alone overseas—she needs me more than you do."
Seven years later, his car screeched to a halt, cutting me off. When he spoke, his tone was as arrogant and condescending as ever.
"Grandpa's in critical condition. His only wish is to see his great-grandson.
"Come back with me, have my child, and you can keep your place as my wife."
I lowered my gaze to my feet and remembered that year when I stood in the rain, begging him not to leave until I collapsed.
All I got in return was him calling me unreasonable.
Even now, Tristan was convinced my world still revolved around him.
What he didn't know was that I'd been perfectly happy these past seven years without being his wife.
The day after he signed the divorce papers, I married someone else.
I rested my hand on my still-flat belly and smiled. "Mr. Gardner, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. I am pregnant, but the child isn't yours."
***
Tristan froze for a moment, a flicker of surprise passing through his charming eyes.
His gaze dropped to my flat belly, and he let out a mocking laugh.
"Rowena, is this the best you can do? Fabricating such a blatant lie just to push me away?
"Who else would want you? You're nothing but a jinx, loathed even by your own parents."
A jinx...
The word felt all too familiar.
He hadn't changed at all—crushing my dignity was still second nature to him.
Memories from ten years ago came rushing back without warning.
When I was first brought back to the Jennings family, my biological father, Anthony Jennings, said in front of everyone, "You grew up in the countryside and have no manners. Learn from Fifi, and try not to be a disgrace to this family."
Later, when my mother, Victoria Jennings, found out about Tristan and me, she said, "You've already taken so much from Fifi. The lease you can do is stay out of her way and let her have what she wants."
I had asked her what exactly I'd taken from Sophie.
She replied, "Tristan, obviously. His family had chosen Fifi, but then you returned and took her place. So don't pretend you didn't take anything from her."
What she never knew was that I had met Tristan long before Sophie ever did.
I was 18 at the time, working part-time at a café in this city, and he came in all the time.
He fell first and made the first move.
Us being together felt entirely natural.
Yet somehow, Victoria saw it as me taking what belonged to Sophie.
My thoughts were cut off by the sound of a phone ringing.
Tristan glanced at the screen, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he deliberately put it on speaker.
Victoria's voice came through, sharp and impatient. "Tris, have you found that ungrateful girl yet? Bring her back right now.
"Fifi just got back and wants that cake from our old place. Pick one up on your way."
He agreed, then hung up and looked at me again.
"You heard her. Go back, apologize, and have my child.
"You'll remain my wife and the Jennings heiress."
He sounded so smug, as if those titles were some kind of grand reward.
I looked at him and couldn't help but laugh.
"Mr. Gardner, I'm married. The day after we divorced seven years ago, I married someone else."
I pulled a prenatal report from my bag and tossed it through his open car window.
"I've been done with the Jennings family for seven years. And I am under no obligation to bear an heir for you. Stay out of my life from now on."
With that, I turned and walked away.
Silence lingered behind me for a few seconds before I heard the car door swing open.
"Rowena!" Tristan barked, clearly irritated.
I didn't turn back. I simply quickened my pace and turned into the alley beside me.
No footsteps echoed behind me.
I knew him too well—He was always so high and mighty that he'd never lower himself to chase anyone down the street.
A few seconds later, his phone rang again.
Sophie's soft, fragile voice drifted through. "Tris, my chest hurts. Can you come back now?"
Tristan went quiet for a moment before saying, "Wait for me." Then the sound of the engine starting echoed through the alley.
I stood at the corner, listening as the car's sound grew distant, and slowly unclenched my fist.

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