Page 1 of Worship Him

1

DESTINY

The papers in front of me blur into an indistinct mass. My fingertips trace the edges of the documents, each one a nauseating reminder of the life I'm about to dismantle. The leather chair beneath me creaks as I shift, sounding out of place in the quiet office.

"Mrs. Ryder?" Barrett's voice cuts through my haze. "Destiny?"

I blink, refocusing on the man across the desk. "Sorry, I... I was just thinking."

Barrett leans forward, his elbows resting on the polished wood. "It's okay. This is a lot to process. But I want you to know, it will be alright. We'll make this as seamless and painless as possible."

A weak smile tugs at my lips. "Thank you, Barrett. I appreciate that."

He nods, then his expression turns serious. He adjusts his glasses. "However, I do need to inform you that this situation is going to be a bit more complicated than a typical divorce."

My stomach clenches. "What do you mean?"

"Well, given that you and Adam own property together, not to mention your closely intertwined business interests... it adds many layers of complexity to the proceedings."

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry. "Our companies..."

"Yes," he confirms. "Your clothing line and Adam's tech company. The fact that you're both partners in each other's businesses will call for careful navigation. It’s going to take a lot of planning, many meetings, and most of all, time."

My mind races, thinking of the countless meetings, the late nights spent brainstorming, the shared dreams that led to our now-intertwined personal empires. How do you untangle a life so thoroughly and lovingly woven together?

"I understand," I manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's just... it's rather overwhelming."

Barrett's eyes soften. "I know. But that's why I'm here. We'll take it step by step, okay?"

I nod, grateful for his reassurance. "Thank you. Really. I don't know how I'd navigate this without your help."

"That's why you came to me," he says with a gentle smile. "Now, let's start by going through these documents one by one. We'll break it down into manageable pieces."

As he begins explaining the first form, I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the long road ahead.

The life I built with Adam may now have to come to an end, but perhaps this is the first step toward a new beginning.

A few hours later, I leave Barrett's office, my head spinning with legal jargon and the weight of impending change.

The click of my heels against the polished floor echoes through the hallway, a sound I once found comforting but now feels hollow.

As I step into the elevator, a couple joins me, their hands intertwined. The woman leans into her partner, giggling at something he whispers in her ear.

My chest tightens, and I avert my gaze, focusing on the descending numbers above the door. I suddenly wish I could forward time and be out of this tiny space at once.

Long moments later, I welcome the ding of the elevator doors that will let me escape from the lovey-dovey vibes and awful elevator music.

The parking lot greets me with its usual song of car alarms and distant traffic. I fumble with my keys, dropping them twice before managing to unlock my car. Once inside, I grip the steering wheel, my knuckles turning white.

"Get it together, Destiny," I mutter to myself, taking a deep breath before starting the engine. I glance at the rearview mirror. My eyes are shiny with tears held back, and I blink rapidly to regain control.

Not here.

The drive home is a blur of familiar streets and unfamiliar emotions. I park in front of my new apartment building, staring at its facade.

It's modern, sleek, beautiful—everything I thought I wanted. But right now, it feels more like a resplendent mausoleum than a home.

I drag myself up the stairs, every step heavier than the last. The key turns in the lock, and I step inside, greeted by the smell of fresh paint and new furniture.

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