Joyce Bates took a deep breath as she approached Martin, the long-time housekeeper of the Harrison estate. With trembling hands, she placed the signed document in front of him.
“Martin, would you kindly deliver this document to Sebastian?”
As Martin's eyes scanned the document, a frown creased his brow. "What is this, my dear?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Joyce took a deep breath, trying to hide the lump in her throat. "I want a divorce from Sebastian," she whispered, looking down at her feet.
"Cece, silly girl, why do you want a divorce?" he asked, "And why don't you want any property?"
Joyce knew what Martin meant. She was a college student with no family, burdened with crushing loans that threatened to derail her entire future. It was not wise at all to divorce now.
"I want to drop out of school," she finally admitted, scratching the back of her head in embarrassment. "I know it sounds crazy, but I have my reasons. And I can't waste my youth trapped in a loveless marriage."
Martin was taken aback by her admission, his mind reeling with questions. "Why? Is something wrong?" he asked, his voice gentle.
Joyce shook her head. "No, it's just... complicated. But I can't stay married to someone I don't even know. I need to make my own way in the world."
Joyce looked into Martin's eyes. Her brown eyes were full of seriousness. Martin sighed, knowing he could not dissuade her.
“Very well, my dear. I will deliver the papers to Sebastian today... No, tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Martin, you're the best,” she said, hugging the old man who had been so kind to her.
As Martin left to deliver the papers to Sebastian, he stopped in his tracks. "You and Mr. Harrison are both outstanding young people," he said, turning back to face her. "I think you two are a perfect match. If you ever change your mind, you know where to find me."
Joyce couldn't help but smile wryly at the thought. She felt a mix of sadness and relief wash over her. She knew she was making the right decision, but it still hurt to end a marriage that had never really begun.
She took a deep breath. “Thank you, Martin, but I've made up my mind.”
***
Old Martin didn't hear from her until the next afternoon. He had to make the call. "Master Sebastian, I have a document that requires your signature," he said.
"What kind of document?" Sebastian asked, his tone uninterested.
Martin hesitated for a moment. "Divorce papers," he said finally.
Sebastian's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Divorce papers? Right, I have a wife. Almost forget that."
"Yes, sir," Martin confirmed. "Would you like to come back and speak to your wife in person?"
Sebastian pondered this for a moment. "How much is she asking for?" he asked, curious.
"Madame isn't asking for anything," Martin replied.
Sebastian found this strange. "Nothing?" he repeated. "Alright, put the papers in my office. I'll be back in Lumitown in a few days."
"Very well, sir," Martin said to himself after hanging up the phone.
***
The Red Door bar, Fifth Avenue, Lumitown.
For Lumitown, the commercial and technological hub, the night is a time for a second burst of energy.
Joyce's heart was pounding with excitement as she and her friends headed downtown to the famous bar to celebrate her birthday. She usually dressed simply in a hoodie and leggings, but tonight was different. She was wearing a short black dress with a heart-shaped collar and a black tulle cut at the waist, with a Rhinestone straps, accentuating her curves and making her feel confident and beautiful.
As the night went on, they drank beer and danced until they were a little tipsy. Joyce was lost in the music, her body moving to the rhythm, until she saw a strange man approach her friend Sarah Jeffries with malicious intent.
At first he just approached Sarah, Sarah was a little drunk, the dance floor was crowded, and she didn't know it, but then the man pushed his luck and put his hands on Sarah's hips.
"Hey! Leave her!" Joyce was a very righteous person, and she could not allow her friend to be sexually harassed in a bar.
Joyce rushed over, grabbed his hand and held it up. “Sir, I don't think you're too drunk to know where to put your hands.”
Sarah and the other Joyce friends came to their senses. They protected Joyce and Sarah.
“Behave yourself! Our friends are not for you to mess with!”
“Yeah, take a look at yourself, you molesting bastard!”
People around the gradually also found the farce, security also noticed, ready to come over.
The man retreated with a sullen expression, and Joyce and Sarah triumphantly high-fived each other. "That's the kind of scum you want to embarrass!" Joyce declared.
But their victory was short-lived as Sarah's face suddenly paled. "Oh no, he's calling someone!" she exclaimed.
Joyce whipped her head around and saw the man returning with a group of menacing hooligans.
She knew they were outnumbered and had to act fast. "Fire! Run!" she shouted, hoping to create a distraction and escape the dangerous situation.
The sound of panic caused the crowd to scatter, but Joyce and her friends were separated in the chaos.
As the hooligans closed in, Joyce's heart raced with fear.
That's when she spotted a familiar figure through the haze of alcohol-induced confusion.
Without thinking, she rushed towards him and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Baby! You're finally here to pick me up," she said breathlessly before planting a kiss on his lips.
