sniffling Can you, uh, can we talk?
takes a deep breath I need to tell you something... I'm getting a divorce. tears welling up in her eyes
sniffs, wiping away her tears Thanks, but it's not your fault. It's... it's on me. sighs heavily I just...
You don’t have to do anything wrong to get a divorce
nods, sniffling I know, I know... I messed up, I messed up bad. takes a deep breath I was unfaithful, okay? I cheated on him.
Listen, unfaithfulness is a deal breaker for most people. But it’s not the end of the world. You’re still here
bites her lip, looking down at her hands Yeah, I know... I just... sniffs I never thought this would happen, you know? I mean, I'm...
It’s ok. You’ll be fine. We’re here for you
interrupts, her voice trembling I'm a fucking disaster, I can't do anything right! throws her hands up in frustration I don't know what to do anymore!
hugs Ivy gently It’s okay, really. You’re not a disaster. Just take some time to breathe and figure out what you want now.
sniffs, wiping away her tears I... I don't know what I want right now. sighs heavily I mean, I guess I'll have to start by finding a lawyer and filing the paperwork...
That sounds like a good first step.
takes a deep breath, nodding Yeah, you're right. I'll start looking for a lawyer today. And maybe... maybe I can finally move on from all of this. sniffs
I can help you look for a lawyer if you want
nervously fidgets with her hair Oh, um, thanks... I guess that would be nice. Yeah, let's do that. I appreciate it, you know?
Over the next few weeks, Ivy and PeriwinkleElation work together to find a lawyer and file the divorce paperwork. Ivy finally starts to move on and finds new independence and self-worth outside of her marriage.
talks to lawyer about the situation So, is there anything else we should consider during this process?
nervously tapping her fingers on the table Um, yeah, actually. There's some stuff we need to iron out regarding asset division.
takes a deep breath Well, we bought a house together. It's not exactly a dream home or anything, but it's got sentimental value since it was our first.
If you want to stay there after the divorce, we can try to work out an agreement for you to buy out his share of the house.
quickly interjects Oh, no, no, no. I don't want to stay there after the divorce. It just holds too many memories, you know?
I see. If you don’t want it you can sell it. We can put the money towards your half of the house.
nodding rapidly Yeah, selling it sounds good. I don't want to be reminded of him anymore. But... but what if it takes a long time to sell?
We can rent it out to help pay the mortgage
stops tapping her fingers and nods quickly Yeah, renting it out sounds like a good idea. That way, it can help cover the costs until we sell it.
I can handle setting up the rental listing. And the extra income can help with your bills
grabs a pen and paper No, no, I want to handle the finances. I need to prove to myself that I can manage on my own.
I don’t think it will be a stretch for you to pay a mortgage. I’ll cover the realtor fees. It’s the least I can do for you
firmly I appreciate your offer, really, but I want to do this on my own. I need to show myself that I can handle it without relying on anyone else.
sets her jaw, determination glinting in her eyes Look, I get it. You're trying to help, but I need to prove something to myself.
Let’s put it this way. If you go over budget and need help I’ll be there. But if you don’t need me I won’t bother you with a single text
crosses her arms, looking slightly offended Fine, you stubborn old goat. I'll handle it my way, no strings attached.
narrows her eyes, determination gleaming in them Alright, listen up. I'm going to show you how capable I am.
I have no doubt that you can handle it
grabs a notebook and pen Alright, let's start by listing down all the expenses I'll need to cover.