The Tie That Binds: A Marriage of Convenience Novel

My heart feels heavy as I stare down at the documents in front of me. It’s been five weeks since Daniel and I separated, and I kept fooling myself into believing he’d come back. He hasn’t, and he won’t. If anything, he has perfected the art of avoiding me. He won’t attend any event that I’ll be at, and he’ll leave if we happen to find ourselves in the same location. Dominic is right. It’s time for me to listen to what his actions are telling me.

I yearn for a mere glimpse of him, but he walks away as soon as his eyes land on me. How long will I keep both of us captive in an unwanted situation? Thinking back to it, he always did his best to resist my advances, but I persisted. He didn’t stand to gain as much from our marriage as I did, and he told me he married me to honour my father’s wishes. In the end, he wanted out so badly that he gave up the shares that got us into this mess in the first place. It’s time to set him free.

My hands tremble as I sign the divorce agreement, a single tear rolling down my cheek. With this, it’ll be done. Daniel and I had a robust prenup that ensures a clean break. I drop the pen on top of the documents and stare at it, a bittersweet smile on my face. If I could go back in time, I’d selfishly do it all over again. I’d never give up on the memories we made and the love I felt. I doubt I’ll ever love someone the way I love Daniel, and I’m grateful I got to experience it.

I grab a piece of paper and clip it to the top of the first page before penning the last message I’ll ever send him. Another tear falls down my cheek as the ink flows from my pen.

Dear Daniel,

I’m sorry for withholding my signature when you’ve made it so clear where you and I stand. You were right. We do have an agreement and our time is indeed up. I’m thankful that you chose to honour my father’s last wish and I realise that that was the only reason you married me. I guess along the way the lines started to blur for me. It was selfish of me to hold on to you longer than your obligation required. Especially since you told me from the very start that there’s someone else you’ve got your heart set on.

I’m beyond grateful that you were beside me during the toughest time I’ve ever had to face. All I wish for is your happiness, and I know these documents are the first step to achieving that. I hope that over time you and I can find a way to be in each other’s lives again. Perhaps we can even be friends one day. Until then, I’ll give you all the space you need.

All my love,

Alyssa

I wipe my tears away and promise myself that this is the last time I’ll cry. I smile sadly as I seal the stack of papers into the envelope. It’s really over now. My voice wavers as I call Kate,and she looks worried as she glances at me. I hand her the envelope but struggle to let go of it.

“Please hand deliver this to Daniel. I assume he’s at Devereaux Inc, but you may need to check with his new secretary. It’s important that you hand this to him personally.”

She looks at me with a complicated expression and then nods, resigned. “Understood,” she whispers.

I sink back into my seat and stare out the window. He’ll probably be relieved when he finally receives the divorce agreement. I pick up my phone and hesitate before making a call.

“Liam?”

“Alyssa? It’s so good to hear from you. How have you been?”

I sigh and consider lying, but then I decide against it. “Honestly, I’ve been a train wreck. But I’m trying my best to be better.”

“I guess the rumours about you and Daniel are true then? You broke up?”

I inhale deeply before replying. “Yes, we broke up.”

Liam is silent for a couple of seconds. “I want to say that I’m sorry to hear that, but I’d be lying.”

I chuckle, my sombre mood lifting a little. “Hmm, well, I actually called you because there’s a charity auction ball I’ve attended every year. I was kind of wondering if you might want to come with me?”

“Yes! Fuck yes, I’ll go with you.”

I laugh and shake my head. “I’m not sure I can even call it a date. I’m not in a good place right now, Liam. I need you to know that.”

He sighs. “I do know that, Lyss. Regardless, I’d be honoured to accompany you. Even if it is just as a friend.”

I hesitate before I speak again. “There’s one more thing… It’s hosted by the Devereauxs. Daniel will definitely be there. Will you be okay with that?”

Liam chuckles. “Hell, I’m looking forward to it. Can’t wait to see you, beautiful. I’ve waited years for a chance to take you out on a date. I can’t believe it’s finally happening.”

I laugh. “It’s not a date,” I tell him.

“Well, we’ll see about that.”