The Cold Husband Has Changed
Episode - 1 : The Decision
[ At City Rowan's Law Firm ]
The woman sitting on the couch slowly looked up from the newspaper she had been reading for a very long time.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
Yes?
•••
I was just informed that Miss Diana's meeting has ended. So she is free to talk to you now.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
*Stands up* That's wonderful. Thankyou so much.
The receptionist couldn't help but glance at the front page of the newspaper Marianne had held tightly in her hands.
A picture of General Laurence Gerardo along with a brief description of his latest achievement on capturing a group of wanted terrorists was printed on the front page of the newspaper.
•••
(She must be a fan of him. After all, who isn't?)
She put the newspaper back on the shelf and took the elevator to go to the 5th floor where Diana's office was located.
Marianne knocked on the door and waited for Diana's permission before coming inside her office.
Diana immediately looked up from her files and to saw Marianne approaching her desk.
Marianne gave a sad smile and sat down on the chair, facing Diana.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
You didn't respond to my email so I thought about checking up on you just to see if you were fine.
Diana wore her glasses and looked at Marianne more closely than before.
Diana Winchester
Damn it. You look awful!
Indeed. Marianne had dark circles under her eyes. Her shoulder length hair were a complete mess and her orange coloured outfit looked as if it hadn't been washed for days.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
*Shrugs* What did you expect?
Diana sighed and offered her a glass of water.
Diana Winchester
I saw your email but didn't know how to respond, then got so busy with work that I didn't get the time to call you personally.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
*leans back on her chair*
Diana Winchester
Mary...I have a feeling you are taking a rash decision.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
Seriously? You are telling me to think again even after knowing everything?
Diana Winchester
*sigh* I heavily sympathise with your condition Mary.
Diana Winchester
You're not just a cousin but also my closest friend!
Diana Winchester
And filing for a Divorce is not a child's game.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
I am not playing any games. I am being 100% serious over her, Diana.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
Besides...
Marianne looked down at the wedding ring on her finger.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
He doesn't love me. He never will...
SERENA
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Episode - 2 : The Call
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
He doesn't love me. He never will...
Diana Winchester
It's been 8 fûcking years Mary and you are telling me there is zero development between the two of you?
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
*Laughs despite herself*
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
I see no signs of development, instead, this marriage feels more like a punishment.
Diana Winchester
But does he really want to Divorce you?
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
......
Diana Winchester
I mean to say that if Laurence wanted to divorce you, why hasn't he done it yet?
Diana Winchester
It's been so many years but he never made the first step on breaking his ties with you!
Diana Winchester
Maybe there is a chance that he likes you a bit. *leans back in her chair*
Diana felt happy with her reasoning but seeing Marianne's unhappy face, her smile slowly started to fade as well.
Diana Winchester
*leans forward* Did he...did he...
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
*looks down*
Day before yesterday, at 3:45 pm, while Marianne was washing the dishes, she received a call from her husband, Laurence.
Surprisingly, it was a video call.
Marianne quickly dried her hands from a towel and picked up her phone. She didn't have time to fix her hair or her dress as she was afraid Laurence might not even bother to look at his phone if she calls back.
It's been so long since she had last seen him or talked to him...so she felt slightly nervous but gathered her courage and accepted the call.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
*smiles genuinely* Laurence...
Laurence Gerardo [ML]
.......
Unfortunately, Laurence did not return the friendly smile. His gaze was still as cold as before.
Still Marianne couldn't help but admire her husband's handsome facial features. Despite working in the Military, Laurence's face never showed any signs of fierceness. He always looked calm and composed which made him even more appealing in her eyes.
Laurence Gerardo [ML]
I will be returning on 22nd April.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
R-Really?
It was a surprise to Marianne as she originally thought Laurence wouldn't come back home for two more months.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
(I need to start preparing then. The house is complete mess-)
But Laurence interrupted her chain of thoughts.
Laurence Gerardo [ML]
To the court...
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
Sorry? I didn't hear clearly.
Laurence Gerardo [ML]
After I come back, we will be going to the Court, so be prepared.
"Court"... She hated that word.
Marianne wanted to beg him. She wanted to scream at him for even having the intention of divorcing her. She wanted to make him understand that she had changed, that she was no longer the same.
But no such words left her mouth.
She swallowed her pride and responded with a smile on her face.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
Alright. I will be .... prepared
Laurence looked at her for a few more seconds before disconnecting the call from his side.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
*fell down on the ground*
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
So this is the end.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
The only thing that mattered...is gone.
Diana Winchester
Maybe...maybe he is not taking you to the court for a divorce...
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
He has never asked me to go anywhere with him, not even in those fancy parties hosted by the government.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
And now he is taking me to a fûcking Court. He is not stupid. He knows what he is doing.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
That is why in that Email I asked you to be my divorce attorney and represent me in the Court.
Diana worked as a Divorce Attorney for the City Law Firm. She had an experience of 5 years and during that time, had seen all the ugliness that comes with the price of a Divorce.
No matter what, She didn't wish for Marianne to suffer the same fate as some of her previous clients.
SERENA
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Episode - 3 : The Problem
Diana Winchester
What about the future?
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
......
Mary touched the ring on her finger. She had thought about taking it off after Laurence's video call but couldn't. No what matter what, she was still hung up on the past.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
What future?
Diana Winchester
Are you sure that you have enough money to live by yourself?
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
I have some money in my savings account...
Diana Winchester
How long can it last?
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
Enough to live well for a month or two.
Diana Winchester
But what will you do after its finished?!
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
*leans back*
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
I will do a job side by side to pay the monthly bills and also to...help my family.
Diana Winchester
But how will you get a job?! You're just a high school graduate!
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
Diana not every job requires a degree!
Diana Winchester
But it does require skills! And are you sure that you have them?!
Diana Winchester
Do you have any experience?
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
*closes her eyes in frustration*
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
It looks like, instead of encouraging me to let go, you are forcing me to stay in that marriage.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
*about to stand up*
Diana Winchester
No--I am sorry! *took hold of her arm*
Diana Winchester
What I am trying to say is that it won't be his loss after the divorce!
Diana Winchester
It will be you who will suffer the most!
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
You mean to say that I won't be able to move on?
Diana Winchester
*shakes her head as no*
Diana Winchester
I am telling you that you are not financially independent right now.
Diana Winchester
And, do you really think that your family is capable to take you in after the divorce?
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
*gulps* I won't put pressure on them. I will live alone.
But in her heart, Marianne knew that her father would not let her live by herself, no matter how much money he will have to spend, he will force her to live with them.
Diana Winchester
We both know that's not possible! *sigh*
For not the first time, Marianne was doubting her decision.
Her family was already suffering for the past 3 years, and if she got divorced at this stage, it will get even more difficult to put food on the table for an additional family member.
If she didn't get a job, she will have no choice but to be dependent on her family's income. She will be nothing but a burden to them.
But how can she stay as Laurence's wife when he is planning on divorcing her as soon as possible?
Diana Winchester
I think you should talk to Laurence when he comes back.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
*looks at her*
Diana Winchester
I understand that you don't want to talk to him about your family's financial issues but if he is really planning on divorcing you, then you must ask for some time.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
What if he didn't agree?
Diana Winchester
As far as I know him, he might.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
But he hates me---
Diana Winchester
Why do you always think so negative?!
But before Marianne could say anything else, her phone started ringing.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
*surprised and takes out her phone from her bag*
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
Who is calling me at this time?
Marianne saw the caller's name and her face instantly turned pale in shock. She was hesitating to pick up the call.
Diana Winchester
What's wrong?
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
*gulps*
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
It's Mr. Brian...
Diana Winchester
You know him? *confused as she didn't know who he was*
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
Laurence's secretary.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
Diana what if--- *teary eyed*
Diana Winchester
Pick it up. Maybe he is not talking about finalizing the Divorce!
Diana Winchester
And why will he ask him secretary to call you anyway?
Marianne wasn't satisfied with the reassurance but still decided to accept the call.
Marianne Gerardo [FL]
Hello, Mr. Brian?
SERENA
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SERENA
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![Marianne Gerardo [FL]](https://up-pic.mangatoon.mobi/contribute/fiction/8349595/avatar/46493470/1712219157877.jpeg-s200webp?sign=3c265032e7d696a004bb2d5a8a4bfd68&t=67071900)
![Laurence Gerardo [ML]](https://up-pic.mangatoon.mobi/contribute/fiction/8349595/avatar/46493470/1712219240123.jpeg-s200webp?sign=858df8553e47e5c981273df2c4e0b80a&t=67071900)
