Divorce To Restart: Vengeful Ex-Wife Strikes Back!

Chapter 92 Court OrderAll rights © NôvelDrama.Org.

XANDER’S HOME, NEW YORK. “It doesn’t feel right for me to stay home,” Nina whined behind Xander as he dressed. He turned to her, stopping halfway with his shirt button. “Why not?” “Because it’s been two days. I need to get to work.” “Do it from home. Also, Tania would be coming today. Aren’t you excited to see her?” “I am, but…” She pouted, exiting the bed and wrapping her arm around him seductively. “Come on now, what happened last time will never happen again. I will defend myself no matter what.” “That right there is the problem. I don’t want you defending yourself no matter what. I have it covered. Please stay put here until Asher signs the court order, Nina.” Nina huffed in resolve, knowing there was no way out anymore. “Fine, I will just stay back.” She yawned loudly and sat at the edge of the bed, staring at his broad back. For the past few days, she has laid in Xander’s bed. He works until late at night, and she finds his arm wrapped around her when he returns. Despite the latest happenings, being in this house makes her feel incredibly safe. Carla had already moved back in, and some of her things, plus Winter’s, had been brought to the house. The house she was waiting to decide on finally became a place of solace. “Are you thinking about how to elope?” Xander asked, bending over her. Nina snickered and pulled at his cheeks. “Yeah, right. Come with me for breakfast.” She urged, tugging at his hand. Xander smiled, holding her close to him. “This is nice, then? Why don’t we just get married? We can do it on an island with just us and our people. I have wanted this side of us for ages.” She held his gaze, wishing there would be some hint in his eyes for her to be rest assured that he wasn’t hiding anything. An idea came to her, causing Nina to wet her lips seductively. She put her arms around him, kissing his face. “I like it too. How about you make my day?” She whispered. Xander cursed himself inwardly for instigating something he wouldn’t want to be involved in. He kissed her on the lips quickly and sashayed himself out of her hold. “I will be downstairs eating.” He called out to her, hurrying off. Nina sat down in frustration. She can’t fathom whatever is going on in Xander’s mind. It makes her doubt a lot of things that might put a strain on what they intend to share. Shaking the draining thoughts off her head, Nina left the room to join him for breakfast. “Where is he?” She asked Carla, who had Winter on hand. Carla shrugged. “He left not too long ago. He only sipped his tea and had a toast in hand.” Nina groaned inwardly. “Why would he do something like that when no one can rebuke him at work.” “Xander can be hard to understand sometimes. Don’t worry; I will have lunch sent out to him.” “Thank you so much, Carla. Let me take her.” She stretched her arms towards Winter. She chewed cutely, still not opening her eyes. “My baby.” Nina cooed. “I just fed her thirty minutes ago. I bet sleep would be the only thing she would indulge in for the next hour or two.” “I don’t know what I would do without you, Carla. Don’t you think we should still get an extra hand to ease you of the stress?” Nina asked with concern. She would hate to burden Carla when the woman is just being friendly. “You already hired a helper to cook the meals. I enjoy being Winter’s nanny. That is if you don’t mind.” “No, I don’t mind at all. I love the way you take care of her. If you promise not to do another task, I will allow it. You work yourself too hard. When we return home, I will employ someone who will come in daily to help with the house chores.” Carla raised a brow. “You want to go back to your place?” Nina could read through the expression on her face. She sighed heavily and sat with Winter on the couch. Carla joined her. “Why not stay here? I am not imposing on you. It’s just surprising that you would want to leave.” She continued. “You don’t think we might be rushing things?” Nina inquired. “How? You all have been back together for over a year now. And you know Xander well enough. What is holding you back? And don’t tell me you are still figuring out your emotions. I see that look in your eyes whenever you are with him.” “It’s not what I am thinking or desire, Carla. It is more about Xander. I already threw caution into the wind and let myself be vulnerable again. But for some odd reason, he keeps pushing me away.” “Pushing you away? How?” Her face colored at the attempt to spill. “Whenever I initiate more intimacy, Xander doesn’t go beyond making out.” The doorbell rang before Carla could grasp Nina’s words. The help ran to the door, and Tania entered with bags of gifts from a baby store. “Hello everyone, Winter’s best godmother is here.” She announced loudly. Carla hushed her with a glare, motioning at the sleeping child. “One more word from that speaker of yours, and she would be wide awake.” “Sorry.” Tania giggled, hugging both women and kissing Winter’s forehead lightly. “So, what’s up with you two? Why so gloomy?” “Are those gifts all for Winter, nothing for me?” Nina asked, stretching out her neck to search the bags. Tania snatched it away. “Hell no, they are for my baby alone. Not you.” Carla laughed, shaking her head. “I will take Winter with me.” She said, carrying the baby. “Last time I checked, Tania, you are a student. Where do you get all this money to splurge on your goddaughter?” “You hurt me.” She pouted. “I know you know it, but I will tell you. The advantage of having a super-rich boyfriend is getting alerts when it is least expected. Even though he is pissing me off at the moment.” Tania hissed, folding her arms. Nina furrowed her brows. “What happened between you two? I thought things were fine with you both.” “It was until his ex, or whatever she is, came by the house. I didn’t get to tell you because of everything happening.” “You can tell it to me now.” She sounded eager. “I don’t have much to do at the moment.” “See, perks of having a rich man. Anyway, he is hiding something from me, and I think it is regarding Xander. Maybe I overreacted, but I don’t want to be unsure who he is. And he told to my face that it was a family matter. So I am not family.” She snorts, showing her anger. “About Xander?” “Yes.” Tania gasped. “Oh, shit. I shouldn’t have mentioned it.” “Please do. I have my worries about Xander, too. He seems to be hiding something.” “I have no idea what it is. Even though it was a bad thing to do, I had to eavesdrop on the conversation. Minny, you know her, right?” “Yes, Dawn’s sister.” “Yeah, so she came talking about her sister trying to get Xander’s sperm or whatnot. I tried to get the details from Jace, but he won’t even respond to me.” Nina looked lost in thought. “I think I know why that might be.” “Did Xander tell you anything?” “No, he didn’t or probably would inform me later. You know what? Let’s stop talking about that and text Jace now. It’s not right to get angry at him for refusing to tell you something about his brother. Aren’t you demanding too much now?” Tania huffed. “I was wrong, right?” “Yes, very wrong.” “No wonder he didn’t pester me with calls or texts. How can he be so cold? I miss him.” Nina chuckled at her childish behavior. “If you want him so badly, do what is needed. I am sure he misses you too.” “Fine. I will do that now.” She grinned sheepishly, searching for her phone. Shutting her eyes for a brief second, Nina felt anxious. She has to know what Xander is hiding, or things won’t bode well for them. And she wants to love him without restraint. ************

X&J EMPIRE, NEW YORK. Jace snickered playfully as Tania’s call came into his phone. He gave Xander a light nod before returning to answer the call. “Did I do something wrong this time?” He asked with a smile. “Baby.” Tania drawled into the receiver, “Are you still angry at me? I am sorry for overreacting.” “Tania, you know I would tell you anything. Since I wasn’t discussing that discussion, you should have known it was out of my control.” There was a pause on the other end. “I am sorry, baby. I miss you.” Jace blushed shamelessly. “I miss you too, mama. So, should I come by to pick you up? I can leave work early.” “You won’t have to drive that far; I am at Xander’s.” She replied. “That’s good. I will come to get you. I love you, mama.” He cooed, biting down on his lips before ending the call. Xander shook his head pitifully. “Such a finished man.” Jace grinned, not feeling offended in the least. “And you don’t think you are too?” He snorted. “Whatever. I am just glad you two will get to resolve your differences. Your persistent whining is beginning to bother me.” “Say all you want. What’s on your mind, though?” “A lot, as you can see.” “Has Richard gotten back to you?” “Yes, I am meeting with him today. Asher had already signed the court order, and his mother had bailed him. He said she was making a huge fuss about her precious son getting locked up. I should have pushed him to be put in there for months.” Jace chuckled. “That would be a waste of time. He doesn’t deserve that much energy. But talk to me, Xander. I know what is on your mind is beyond that.” Xander sighed heavily and held his gaze. “I think Nina is suspecting me already.” “About time.” He mumbled under his breath. “What does that even mean? How can you support something that is driving me nuts?” “That is the problem I have with you, Xander. When do you think you can keep up the energy of hiding things from the woman you intend to spend the rest of your life with? Why aren’t you thinking about what would become of your relationship if she learns this too late? This is your time to come out clean to her. Let her know who you are behind this veil. Please, bro.” “What if she ends up leaving me?” “And you think she won’t leave you now that all you are doing is lying to her?” Xander scratched his head. “Come on, I am not exactly lying. Just keeping my darkest secret. So, I should tell her.” “Ask me that one more time, and I will be the one announcing your entire secret to the world.” He threatened. “There is no need to do that. Do you know if the human resource has found another person to take Dawn’s place?” “Your assistant will have the perfect answer to that. How are you feeling as regards Dawn’s case?” “Dejected and betrayed. I didn’t think she would do something like that to me. But then, I must have seen the signs but chose to ignore them.” “I am just glad to have her out of our lives. She has done more than enough damage. I can’t stand her excesses.” “You have always hated her. I should head out now. Richard would be expecting me.” “Okay, I will head back to work, too,” Jace replied. Xander had his head filled with worry as he drove down to the spot where Richard had said they should meet. He was already seated by the time Xander arrived. “Hey, man.” Richard greeted, stretching out his hand for a handshake. “Nice to see you again, Richard. Thank you for meeting with me. I didn’t mean to pull you out of your job.” Xander said, taking a seat. “It’s alright. I have got you covered. So here is the signed order.” He said, passing a brown envelope to him. Xander took it and checked the content, nodding his head in satisfaction. “About what I discussed with you on the phone.” “Yes, I would like for you to explain further.” “I would like to keep a close eye on Asher. It might seem inappropriate to employ people I think would get through to him easily, but that is why I am calling for your help instead.” “Okay.” “I don’t trust him, Richard. For a man like him who is entitled and thinks he deserves to be regarded by everyone regardless of how much of an asshole he is. I doubt a mere paper signing will keep him in check. I need you to help me and have him tailed until we are sure he won’t do anything stupid.” “What if we watch him for months, and the moment we decide to stop, he does something crazy?” “That is why I am never going to let that happen. I don’t mind placing the men on a salary. I can afford it. I want my family safe, please.” “I understand your concern, Xander, and I will help. But for security reasons, I think an alarm recognizing strangers at every corner of your home would be nice.” “And the office? Nina won’t want to be at home for long. Asher had threatened her at work despite the numerous security men. How do I know she will be safe?” “The hired men will take care of that. Let me handle it. And we would get into work swiftly.” “Thank you, Richard. This means a lot.” Xander mumbled. “Anytime, man. I should head back to the office now. I just got a message.” “Sure.” He waved at him, staying still. His phone alarm went off, scaring the whole of him. Xander checked it and realized he was due for his afternoon medication. Something went loose inside him as he stared hard and long at the phone screen. He can’t keep living in secrecy. Even if he can’t tell his parents, Nina deserves to know. He might go nuts if things don’t work out between them. She means the world to him. Reaching for the envelope, he tossed it around his finger. He made up his mind that he had had enough of hiding himself. Xander dialed his mother’s line. Venus picked up in a singsong voice. “Baby.” She cooed into the receiver. “Mum, it’s just noon. Are you drunk already?” He questioned. “You are so rude, Xander. Where are your manners?” Venus sounded more active. Xander rolled his eyes. “Sorry, mum. I need a favor from you with Winter.” “Why? It’s not like I have any problem being with my grandchild. I am just curious.” He snorted. “Of course you are. I need you to take Carla and Winter to your house. I want some alone time with Nina.” “Ohhhh, are you planning to propose? Do you have the flowers in place? I can help with the arrangements.” “I am not proposing yet, and it might never happen if you do not mind your business and help me with what I request from you.” She snorted, “You are no fun .” “I know. Just do this for me, mum. I will compensate you right.” “Does that mean I get to travel to the Bahamas for my birthday?” “Isn’t that why you have a husband?” “Xander!” “Fine, mum. I have you, even if you want to get to the world. Just do what I ask; I will be home soon.” “Okay, I am on my way.” “Thanks, mama. Let me know when they are away from the house. I love you.” “Love you too, baby.” He was ending the call with his mother. Xander reached out to Jace to pick up Tania earlier than expected. Jace seemed eager to get to her but didn’t question his intention. Xander waited until his mother sent a coast clear text. Anxiety got the best of Xander when he got into his car. Before heading home, he stopped by the store to get some of Nina’s favorite candies. “Nina?” He called out on entering the house. She wasn’t in the living room or her room. Dropping the things in his hand, he went to the back of the house where the garden was and found her bent over a plant. He smiled broadly, walking towards her. “Hey, you. What are you doing?” He inquired, bending next to her. Nina shrugged. “Nothing much, just admiring this plant. Isn’t it beautiful? Even though there was no room for it to grow. It still bloomed.” Xander hummed, “I guess there is no stopping a determined one when their mind is on blooming.” She looked towards him at his words. “Exactly. I am like this plant and refuse to back down from everything I want, starting now. I thought letting go of things that hurt me was the best way to overcome it. But maybe if I had asked questions and remained rooted in my stance. It wouldn’t have been this bad. At the same time, I am grateful to the universe for giving me this opportunity once again. This time, I am staying right here.” Nina had a substantial depth in her words as she got up. He blinked in confusion, standing up to them. “Is something wrong?” He asked, chuckling nervously. “You sound serious. Where is Winter?” “Venus came to pick her and Carla up; I asked her to keep them for the night because I need to talk to you.” “Wow, I was also intending to talk to you.” He uttered with a gulp. “That’s good. I am glad we are on the same page. Shall we go in to talk then?” Nina urged, leading the way first. Nervous and scared, Xander looked up to the heavens and mumbled a prayer. This has better end well.