Paige's Perspective:
Two weeks have passed, and I'm waiting to find out the exact date of the divorce. My lawyer has taken care of everything, and I must admit she is excellent at her job. She has advised me in every aspect, and to my surprise, Mason didn't want to keep anything that doesn't rightfully belong to him.
What surprised me was that he agreed to compensate me by paying half of the value of the house we lived in during our marriage. I didn't ask for the reason and just accepted it. He knows what he's doing.
My heart aches knowing that in just a few days, everything will come to a definitive end with my soon-to-be ex-husband. Following my lawyer's advice, she insists I go in person to sign the divorce papers, so as not to leave room for speculations from others. Let them see us on good terms. Eventually, they will realize that he moved on with his life before I did.
I still love him, and I can't deny that. No one has taken his place, and no one ever will. I dream of the family we could have formed. I envision myself with a baby who looks just like him, a mini-Mason. I have even dreamed of the last time we were together, which was almost three months ago.
Work is going well. Since the secretary left the company, the atmosphere has improved. I go to the office almost daily and keep everything in order. I can say that I am almost the one in charge of everything.
As for Lucas, we've been seeing each other, having lunch or dinner. However, we remain just friends. He's a very sweet man, and although he has expressed his desire for us to be more than friends, he accepts my refusal gracefully because he understands the reasons behind my hesitation. He knows that my heart is occupied and that I am still healing from the end of my marriage. I can say that he knows everything, from the contract to the new family Mason is forming. I made the mistake of telling him everything one day when I was feeling very sad. I cried and poured my heart out to him.
I receive a call from my lawyer, and I answer nervously because I'm sure she will tell me the day we have to be there for the divorce.
"Hello," I greet anxiously.
"Paige, we have a date. We need to be there in two days to sign the papers. We have just enough time due to the time difference to catch a flight tonight, or the sooner, the better. Let me know what time we'll be traveling, and I'll be ready," she says quickly.
"Thank you, I'll look for flights and let you know," I reply with a hint of sadness in my voice.
"Don't worry, once everything is signed, it will all be behind you," she says in a sweet voice.
"I know, but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. I'll let you know when I have the tickets ready. Take care," I respond, ending the call.
I sigh and sit with my hands on my face. I didn't want the day to come. As silly as it may sound, I felt that if I didn't sign the divorce papers, I would still be somehow connected to Mason. My heart was deceived by the love I feel for him.
At that moment, Lucas appears in front of me. Seeing how affected I am, he takes my hands and says,
"What's wrong, darling?" He always calls me that.
"The day has come," I say, almost breaking down in tears.
"Oh, don't be like that. If you want, I can travel with you, so you won't feel alone and to provide support," he says, embracing me as sweetly as ever.
"It's not necessary. I'm going with my lawyer, and besides, I have friends there waiting to see me. But thank you for offering to be my companion. It hurts sometimes not being able to reciprocate your feelings when you're so kind and concerned about me," I say sincerely.
"You know that feelings can't be controlled. I'm glad to know you'll have company, and let me know if anything happens," she emphasizes.
"Don't worry, I'll call you if there's something I can't handle," I reply, winking.
I'm left alone, and I go to the bathroom. I look at myself in the mirror and scold myself. Where did the strong woman that Riley told me about last time go? I have to be strong and remember her plans, to feel anger towards Mason. I still find it hard to believe that he's going to live in our house with that woman. It's evident from his gesture how little I meant in his life.
I clean my face and search for flights. Once I have them ready, I let Sarah and Riley know the time and day I'll be arriving so they can pick me up at the airport. I receive emojis and audio messages full of excitement, knowing that we'll be seeing each other after all this time apart.
After replying to each message, they send, I focus on work. The lawyer is already aware that we'll be meeting in four hours. I try to make as much progress as possible with my work, and I inform Tabatha that I have to leave. She tells me not to worry and even suggests that I can stay a few more days there with my friends and return fully recharged.
I weigh the idea and consider the pros and cons. It would be nice to stay there for a few days, spend time with my friends and Emily, and also check on what has happened with my company. But I won't be able to see him. I don't feel prepared to show that it doesn't affect me because it does. Perhaps being with the girls will help me be strong and not show the pain I feel. Besides, I have to take Simba with me so he can see Mason and Emily. It's not fair for my baby to never see them again. Although I hate that I have to travel, this will be the last time I go there. After this, if they want to see him, they'll have to come here.
I think I'll decide whether to stay or come back once I'm there. That way, I can see how things are going and decide whether to come back immediately or stay for a few days, hours, or weeks.
It's a trip that both excites and saddens me, but it's the best thing that can happen. Ending all ties that connect me to Mason, so that his child doesn't grow up without his father present in his life.