Chapter 09 - The Divorce War

Alec opened his eyes, staring at the white ceiling of his bedroom. The apartment, located on one of the streets in the center of Lone Ridge, was at that moment a reflection of his bitter freedom. He was in the middle of separating from Alexandra Keller, young and exuberant, after a marriage that, in his eyes, had lasted far too long.

Alec and Alexandra had met in middle school and started dating while still in high school. While he dreamed of a career in the military, Alexandra aspired to be a magazine model or a reality TV star. Despite their differences, Alec found himself falling for the prettiest girl in school. Alexandra was the daughter of Josh Keller, the town marshal, and the sister of Bryan Keller, a promising baseball player. Alec, on the other hand, was known for being one of the sons of the biggest horse breeder in the area, owner of the main local stud farm, which made him an excellent catch in Lone Ridge, just like his twin brothers.

After graduation, Alec decided to pursue a military career and enrolled in the Air Force pilots' course. He completed the course and began working at Austin Air Force Base, which was not far from Lone Ridge. As their relationship grew stronger, he decided to ask Alexandra to marry him, despite warnings that he might be making a mistake. Many said that she wasn't who she appeared to be, something that, unfortunately, Alec would only confirm later.

One night, returning unexpectedly from the base to surprise his wife, he found her with his best friend in the bed they shared. Alexandra tried to dissemble, blaming her friend, but at that point, her lies and charm had no effect. Alec remembered that night with bitterness, Lex's betrayal leaving a deep scar in his heart and making him question everything he thought he knew about her.

Now, Alec was facing the process of separation, dealing with the complicated legal procedures, aggravated by the influence of Alexandra's family, who were trying to delay the summons. Lex wouldn't accept the separation and did everything she could to win him back, with constant calls and regretful messages, as well as the scandals she caused wherever he was.

Despite everything, Alec was determined to move on. He knew he needed to focus on his career as a Lone Ridge deputy and his own well-being, leaving the past behind.

— I need to get rid of this crazy woman before I die or lose my mind for good. – grumbled Alec.

With a sudden movement, he tried to get out of bed, but all he got was an intense throbbing in his head, the result of a night of tequila and beer with his brothers.

— Shit! I'll never drink that much again!

The promise rang hollow, echoing through the room as he dragged himself out of bed. Still dizzy, he made his way to the bathroom. Perhaps a cold shower would help silence the imaginary bell that was ringing in his head. At least he was off duty from the police station and could cure his hangover in the peace of his apartment.

Rummaging through the bathroom cabinet, Alec realized he was out of painkillers. He muttered something incomprehensible as he realized that he would have to go to the nearest pharmacy. Fortunately, there was one not far away, in the courtyard of the Lone Ridge Store, the department store at the entrance to town.

After a long, relaxing bath, he began to feel better. He got dressed and went to the kitchen to prepare a strong coffee. He picked up his cell phone and noticed some missed calls and text messages. They were all from Lex. With a weary sigh, he decided to ignore them and blocked the number so he wouldn't receive any more calls, or the endless messages she used to send.

He put on a jacket, put his keys and documents in his pocket and, having finished his coffee, left the apartment. His Ford Ranger was parked out front, waiting for him for another day in Lone Ridge.

Alec had barely locked the door when, as he turned to leave the garden, he bumped into a blonde woman of medium height, with perfectly straight hair and an expression of pure fury. She was tapping her foot on the floor angrily.

— Why don't you answer me? – she shouted, her arms crossed firmly. – I've called you three times today! I've also texted you, and you haven't even bothered to reply.

Alec sighed deeply, making it clear how frustrated and impatient he was.

— Have you ever thought that I didn't reply because I didn't want to? – he retorted with a wry smile. – Unless, of course, you've changed your mind and decided to accept the terms of the divorce.

Lex grunted, clenching his fists in anger.

— That's never going to happen, and you know it. – he said, stepping closer to him. – As a matter of fact, I came here just to get that ridiculous idea out of your stubborn sheriff's head.

She smiled sarcastically, touching Alec's temple with her index finger. The gesture only intensified the headache he was already feeling. With a serious expression, Alec faced her, grabbed Lex's fist and gave it a firm squeeze.

— In that case, get out! – he growled. – I don't have anything to do with you anymore, just that fifth-rate lawyer Bryan got for you.

Alec released Lex's grip with a jerk, completely ignoring her as he passed her. Indignant at her ex-husband's coldness, she stomped her foot on the ground and followed him, stopping once again in front of him, blocking his path to the car.

— For your government, my lawyer is a highly respected and well-known man in the bar! – retorted Lex, with his arms crossed and a defiant look on his face.

— I doubt that, since it was your brother who hired him. – Alec replied sarcastically, a cynical smile curving his lips. – Everyone knows about Bryan's “great influences”.

— Alec, you're offending my brother! – Lex protested, furious. – Don't you know he's about to become a respected senator?

— I don't care what your brother does or doesn't do. – Alec replied dryly. – I only care that he knows that, no matter how hard he tries, this divorce is going to happen, one way or another. Now get off my lawn and pass the message on.

He tried to get past Lex again, but she got in front of him, thwarting his efforts.

— Get out of my way, Lex! – Alec's voice sounded menacing; his eyes fixed on hers.

— Alec, you can't be serious... – Lex's voice now carried a tone of desperation. – Think of all the years we've spent together! Are you going to throw it all away for one silly thing? Out of revenge or spite?

Alec almost laughed at that. He looked at her with an expression of pure contempt, tired of her constant manipulation. How had he not seen Lex's true character before?

— It's not about revenge or spite, Lex. It's about trust. A trust you broke when you decided to betray me with my best friend, in our bed. – Alec growled, gripping her arm tightly, bringing his face close to hers. – And let's not forget Michael, Myka's ex-fiancé, who “supposedly” seduced you too. Remember him?

— But he seduced me! – Lex retorted in desperation, trying to break free from Alec's grip.

— Oh, of course. You were very resistant to his charms, weren't you? – Alec sneered; the anger evident in his voice. – Tell me another one, Lex! That asshole is as stupid as you are fake. And I'm not falling for it anymore.

Releasing her arm with a shove, Alec made her fall sitting on the grass. Lex hugged her knees and began to cry. That scene, once effective, now had no effect on him. In other times, Alec would have bent down to comfort her, and the toxic cycle would have ended in bed, as always. But now, he just watched her with indifference, knowing that this was pure theater.

— Stop this show and get out of my garden before I arrest you for trespassing! – Alec ignored her forced crying and headed for the gate.

— Alec, you can't accuse me of breaking and entering! This is my apartment too! – Lex shouted, standing up quickly. – We're still married!

Alec laughed, opening the door of the truck.

— I bought this apartment before we got married. That means you don't have any rights to it. So, yes, you are trespassing on private property. – He smiled contemptuously, making a gesture of farewell. – As for the wedding, I hope not for long.

Starting the car, Alec drove off, leaving Lex talking to herself. As he turned the corner, he caught a glimpse of the blonde kicking the fence in a fit of rage. A sigh of relief escaped his lips, but the peace was interrupted when his cell phone started ringing again. It was Lex.

— I've told you before and I'll tell you again: get lost! – Alec said, putting it on speaker. – Leave me alone and only call me when you're ready to sign the divorce papers.

Without waiting for an answer, he hung up the phone, determined to block her number as soon as he got to the Lone Ridge Store. It was time to end this cycle of torment once and for all.

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