Inside, Hugh lingered by the window in the hospital room, anxiously awaiting her return. Despite the strains in their relationship, as a father, he felt compelled to protect Freya and shield her from any mistreatment.
After a restless thirty minutes, Ethel could no longer keep her peace and turned to Hugh. “We need to get to the bottom of why my sister is divorcing Kristian when she gets back. We can’t stand by and watch her suffer like this.”
“Agreed,” Hugh nodded solemnly.
They were about to delve deeper into their conversation when the hospital room door swung open.
Freya entered the room, her face a mask of serene composure, betraying no hint of the fury that had flared during her earlier clash with Kristian.
“Mina.”
“Mina.”
Ethel and Hugh chimed in at the same time, their voices overlapping in a brief harmony.
A look of confusion flitted across Freya’s face as she noticed their troubled expressions. With a soft click, she shut the door behind her and inquired, “What seems to be the problem?”
“Why are you filing for divorce with Kristian Shaw?” Ethel blurted out, stepping in before her father could muster the courage to ask. Her tone carried a mix of concern and demand. “And don’t even try the ‘it just didn’t work out’ explanation.”
Freya hesitated, her resolve wavering. Initially, she had planned to keep the real reasons hidden, but the earnest worry etched on their faces prompted a change of heart.
“His first love has returned,” she admitted.
Ethel and Hugh were momentarily taken aback, their expressions mirroring each other in perfect unison, a silent testament to their shock.
Setting her phone down to charge, Freya took a seat across from her father. She exhaled slowly, her voice steady. “It’s just another way of saying it just didn’t work out. He was the one who suggested the divorce, and I saw no reason to disagree.”
“Are you serious?” Ethel’s voice rose, tinged with incredulity.
Freya’s eyebrows arched subtly. “Totally.”
“And is he insane, or just plain stupid?” Ethel, puzzled and concerned, voiced her disbelief. “Why would he choose his first love over someone as exceptional as you?”
Freya remained silent, lost in thought.
Ashley’s departure had left Kristian adrift, unable to shake the memory of her. Her impact on him was profound and undeniable.
“I swear, he must be insane and utterly stupid!” Hugh burst out, his voice tinged with frustration.
Freya just gave him a fleeting look.
Seeing her expression, Hugh’s fervor waned, and he hesitantly asked, “What made you fall for him initially?”
“His looks,” Freya replied succinctly.
Regrettably, she realized that basing a marriage solely on physical attraction was a mistake.
Hugh was at a loss for words, while Ethel quietly sighed. She was all too aware of her sister’s weakness for handsome men, charming voices, and striking figures.
Breaking the uneasy silence, Hugh inquired, “How far have you gotten with the divorce?”
“We’ve filed the paperwork. Once the required waiting period is over, we can finalize it,” Freya explained, her tone resigned.
“It has to be done!” Ethel interjected passionately, seeing Kristian in a harsh light. “A man like that doesn’t deserve you!”
Ethel’s fury blazed like wildfire. How could Kristian be so utterly exasperating? How could he treat her sister with such cold indifference? To her, such injustice was simply unbearable. “When you filed for divorce, did you make him walk away with nothing? Ending a marriage because of another woman constitutes a profound betrayal,” she fumed.
Hugh nodded solemnly. “She’s absolutely right.”
“No,” Freya responded, carefully noting their concerned expressions. “We divided our assets fairly.”
“How exactly did you split everything?” they asked simultaneously, their curiosity palpable.
Freya detailed the arrangement.
The settlement mirrored their previous discussion: she would retain the premium sports car, the suburban villa, and 40% of his earnings since their wedding day.
She had anticipated their approval for her adept handling of the situation.
Instead…
“Do you still harbor feelings for him?” Ethel’s brow furrowed with worry. “Why would you accept such an inadequate settlement?”
Hugh interjected, “The Shaw Group generates profits in the billions annually. Offering you this pittance is simply unconscionable.”
Freya exhaled deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose as she contemplated her response.
Indeed, the billions seemed insignificant compared to the Briggs Group’s yearly earnings.
“He channeled most funds into investments, and I explicitly stated I wouldn’t claim his investment portfolio,” Freya explained. “Furthermore, he won’t get a share of my assets.”
Ethel reached over to feel Freya’s forehead, wondering if illness had clouded her judgment.
Freya stared back, bewildered.
“Freya, he committed infidelity! The fault lies entirely with him,” Ethel declared, her indignation mounting as tension crept into her temples. “Protecting your assets is only right. With his character, he’d undoubtedly funnel that money to his paramour. You mustn’t endure this injustice. I’ll contact Trent immediately to teach Kristian a lesson.”
As she spoke, she grasped her phone, ready to make the call.
Freya swiftly intervened.
“Why stop me?” Ethel asked, perplexed.
“This settlement suffices. The divorce agreement has already been submitted. I possess numerous ways to complicate his life without engaging in financial disputes. Besides…” Freya paused meaningfully. “If we divided everything equally after marriage and the media discovered our relationship, they might suggest the Briggs Group depends on divorce settlements to operate.”
Both Ethel and Hugh fell silent, contemplating this perspective.
Only a select few knew Kristian had divorced Freya for Ashley. If the media reported the story, Freya couldn’t prove infidelity.
Kristian hadn’t been intimate with Ashley nor spent nights with her, leaving no concrete evidence of betrayal.
Even if photographs of Kristian with Ashley surfaced, they could be portrayed as mere friendship. Without compelling proof, public opinion would likely favor them.
However, with Freya claiming only modest assets, public reaction would remain manageable.
Billions might seem astronomical to other companies, but for the Briggs family, it was merely a fraction of their wealth.
.
.
.
“I apologize…” Ethel acknowledged her rashness. “I failed to consider these ramifications.”
“No apology necessary. I understand your concern for me,” Freya reassured her with a gentle smile, squeezing Ethel’s hand affectionately. “I’ve moved beyond Kristian. But you…”
Ethel’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “What about me?”
“My marriage ended poorly,” Freya admitted, concerned her sister might become disillusioned with matrimony, “but I hope you won’t dismiss the institution entirely. Should you meet someone worthy, please don’t surrender that opportunity.”
“Your worries are unfounded,” Ethel assured her warmly.
The sisters continued their heartfelt exchange.
Observing them, Hugh felt profound contentment wash over him. As long as his daughters thrived, he would move mountains for their happiness.
“Sheila, I need to discuss something with him. We’ll continue our conversation once you’ve recovered.”
Ethel nodded her agreement.
Hugh escorted Freya into the hallway, a familiar sense of guilt and uncertainty washing over him whenever they interacted. “Mina, what matter requires our discussion?” he asked softly.
“Who currently holds the president position at the Briggs Group?” Freya questioned directly.
Hugh responded, “Your cousin manages the company now.”
“Could you arrange for me to join as an investment adviser?” Freya requested, her gaze reflecting a complex tapestry of emotions. “I’d also need comprehensive details about the collaborative project with the Shaw Group.”
Hugh’s expression transformed with surprise, his eyes betraying a surge of hopeful emotion. “Are you genuinely considering a return to the Briggs Group?”
“I’m seeking only a professional position, not any inheritance rights,” Freya clarified firmly.
“Of course, I’ll make the arrangements immediately,” Hugh replied, barely containing his enthusiasm. “Beyond the Shaw Group project specifics, do you require additional information?”
“I’d appreciate a comprehensive list of all upcoming Briggs Group ventures,” Freya added, characteristically decisive in her approach.
Until today, confronting Kristian hadn’t factored into her plans.
She had previously assured him he would never hear from her again. However, his recent remarks had disturbed her equilibrium, and she now felt compelled to challenge him on familiar professional ground.
“Certainly,” Hugh agreed without hesitation.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.