Chapter 188
The court’s verdict was clear: our partnership had been analled. Edward would also bear the cost of the court proceedings.
The official verdict would be sent to us within ten business days.
I listened to the sound of the gavel and knew that this was it Tears almost burst from my eyes.
I was free! I was finally free!
Unlike me, Edward sank into his seat at the defendant’s side. Dark clouds loomed over him.
I didn’t feel like comforting him at all. Instead, I left the courtroom with Ash, a big smile on my face. “Thank you, thank you all! Thanks to all of you, we are now divorced!” I proclaimed to the cheering crowd. “Congratulations on your freedom, Miss Jones! My nephew is a 28–year–old up–and–comer who graduated from an Ivy League school and currently works as an executive at a publicly traded company! Here’s his picture…”
“28 is too old for you, Miss Jones! It’s better when they are young, don’t you think? My son is 23, currently doing his PhD! He’s handsome, cheerful, and gentlemanly-”
No, Miss Jones, listen!”
I never expected to be so popular in my life. I had just freed myself from some shackles, only to have so many people eager to drag me right back in!
“Thank you for your concern, everyone, but I’m currently not interested in getting married!” I announced. While I was surrounded by grinning rich women, I noticed Edward walking wearily out of the courtroom, his footsteps heavy,
Alone.
I forced myself to look away.
Then, suddenly, he collapsed.
“Edward?! Edward!” Sally shrieked. “Somebody–my son needs help!”
The women circled them, starting their commentary again.
“What’s the matter, Mr. Kennedy? It’s just a divorce! Why do you have to be so dramatic?”
“Ow, you really forced yourself into this corner…”
I watched the commotion from afar.
Ash asked, “Are you not going to see if he’s alright?
“Nah,” I declined, calling 911.
I wasn’t a doctor–what good could I do? Calling an ambulance for him was my final act of charity for a man who had once been my partner.
I left the building and basked in the warmth of the sun. Gone were the dark clouds that had haunted me for months. Gone, at last.
Ash studied my mood and began, “Um, I need to tell you something, Miss Jones. You might not like it.”
Chapter 188
“What?” I said, smiling.
+25 BONUS
We descended the stairs. “The verdict is only in effect if neither the defendant nor the plaintiff appeals within the second to fifteenth day period. If Mr. Kennedy regrets his choice, he could appeal.
“What?!” I stopped mid–step. “When has there ever been such a rule?!”
“I think I told you before.”
I looked at him, stunned. I didn’t remember this piece of information at all.
“Yes. You can’t remarry so soon, either. It might run afoul of the adultery law. If the case goes to court a second time and the verdict remains the same, there will be no further chance for appeal.”
I was disgruntled.
Would Edward appeal for another trial?!
His mother had publicly begged him to divorce me! There was no way the Kennedys would allow their image and reputation to be further tarnished by his obsession with me right?
What would Sally think if he appealed for a retrial?!
Chapter 189
Chapter 189
