Mia's POV:

The divorce proceedings were surprisingly swift, a clear indication that Hudson had grown tired of our relationship. It stung, knowing that he was so ready to move on without a second thought.

When the moment came to sign the divorce papers, he didn't even look me in the eye. Instead, he flung them onto my face, as if they were nothing more than a meaningless piece of paper. It was a painful reminder of the contempt that had grown between us.

As I packed up my belongings, I couldn't help but feel a mix of sadness and relief. Leaving this house meant leaving behind the memories, both good and bad, that we had shared.

No, it was mostly bad.

And I was finally leaving that deranged mother-in-law of mine!

It was a necessary step towards reclaiming my happiness.

I knew deep within my heart that I couldn't let myself wither away in one place, sacrificing my dreams and ambitions all in the name of a failed marriage. It was time to spread my wings and find my footing elsewhere, in a place where I could truly thrive.

But right now, the only person I could lean on was my best friend, Melanie. She had been my rock throughout the ups and downs of my relationship, offering unwavering support and understanding.

As I packed her bags and dragged my luggage out of the room, my heart sank as I spotted my ex-mother-in-law and ex-sister-in-law waiting downstairs. They burst into laughter upon seeing me, their mocking voices filling the air.

"You're such a disappointment," my mother-in-law sneered. "I always knew you weren't good enough for my son."

My sister-in-law chimed in, her voice dripping with disdain. "You'll never be able to fit into our family. You're nothing but a burden."

Despite the pain and humiliation, I refused to let their hurtful words break my spirit. Ignoring their toxic remarks, I mustered up the strength to drag my luggage out of the house.

As I stepped outside, the rain began to pour, matching the storm of emotions raging within me. It felt like the world was crying alongside me as if it understood the pain I was going through.

'Stay strong, Mia. We've finally escaped this hell' Cassey encouraged bitterly and I nodded.

I walked out of the gate under the rain and

there, holding an umbrella, was Melanie, my best friend and confidante.

I felt a surge of warmth and gratitude wash over me. She had always been there for me, offering support and love, and today was no different.

With a smile on my face and tears mixing with the raindrops, I crossed the street towards Melanie. She opened her arms and embraced me, offering solace and comfort amid the storm.

"Shhh.... big girls don't cry," she said and I giggled through tears.

"Let's get you out of the rain, come with me" She took up my luggage and dragged it towards her car.

She stashed it into the back seat and I got into the passenger seat.

She then drove off from that house.

I was finally free.

'yes, you're finally free' Cassey chimed in.

I released a deep breath as we drove into the night, the rain still falling in torrents.

......

As Melanie drove me to her house on the outskirts of town, my heart was pounding with a mix of excitement and nervousness. I knew my life was about to change, and I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.

Once we arrived, Melanie kindly helped me with my luggage, her warm smile reassuring me that I was in good hands. As we walked into her cozy house, a sense of tranquility washed over me. It was a refuge, a place where I could finally feel safe.

"Welcome home, babes," she said warmly as I took in the sight of her homely home.

The walls were adorned with photographs, each capturing moments of joy and love.

The soft glow of candlelight illuminated the room, casting a warm and comforting glow. The scent of freshly baked cookies filled the air, instantly transporting me back to cherished childhood memories, we both shared.

Melanie's house wasn't grand or extravagant, but it held a certain magic that made it feel like home. The worn-out armchair by the window seemed to invite me to curl up with a good book, while the crackling fireplace whispered tales of warmth and solace.

In the corner of the living room, there was a piano, its keys worn from years of heartfelt melodies.

I and Melanie learned a lot about piano back in high school and before I got married.

I couldn't resist the urge to run my fingers across them, releasing a flood of emotions that had been bottled up for far too long. The music filled the room, carrying my hopes, dreams, and fears.

It felt good to unwind and relax.

Letting myself get lost in the keys I was once familiar with.

After a while, I stopped and went to look for Melanie, checking out the house as well.

As I explored the rest of the house, I discovered a small garden bursting with vibrant flowers. If it wasn't for the rain, I certainly would have gone to explore.

Their delicate petals danced in the gentle breeze, reminding me of the beauty that could bloom even in the most unexpected places.

Melanie's house became my new sanctuary, a place where I could heal, grow, and find my voice again.

'it's also a perfect chance to get out there and leave happily, we can't just die cause our mate rejected us' Cassey suddenly said.

"I rejected him" I argued,

'Whether you accept or not, he rejected us. You can't reject him' she said bitterly, which was the truth of the matter.

Just as we continued our banter.

Melanie came back and suddenly hugged me from behind.

"Mia, I'm glad you've left that hell hole," she said and breathed.

I smiled at her.

She knew everything I went through in that house.

She urged me to leave, but I refused.

Now I left.

"I'll help you start all over, okay?" She said soothingly and I nodded.

"I'll find you a job to begin with, you would need one in this case"

I nodded again in agreement.

"Great, now come with me, let's have dinner. That Jerk Hudson should be your past now"

Cassey then chimed in, 'She's right, Hudson is our past now'