I write my stories with the plot emphasized over character development. There is a good reason--personal experience. I won my divorce. Custody of my children and remarrying a much, much better woman (Assets split 50/50).
However, feelings and sensations were over rated. Sure, there was some hate, shock and other negative emotions, but for the most part, I was just doing the 'part act', living one day at a time. The needs of my children and new wife far exceeded these other wasteful thoughts. Really, it was one big blur. Over all, one very pleasant blur.
Even when my plot appears unrealistic, truth can often trump fiction. But don't fret, my stories are 100% fiction, or are they?
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I was supposed to meet my wife at our favorite restaurant, Gus's. Simple food but simply divine. My 19-year-old daughter was there instead. She was our only child and quite precocious. That is parent speak for growing up too fast; outgoing; but, not too bright.
"Where's your mom?"
"In the Carribean."
"What? Last minute business?"
"No. A vacation with her boyfriend."
"What?!"
"Keep your voice down. She has been seeing my boyfriend's father for six months. She is going to divorce you and have him move in with all of us. Your big house suits that easily."
"Couldn't she tell me herself? Why send you to tell me?"
"Mom is too big a softy. I am here to tell you how this is going to go down. She will take you to the cleaners."
"Why?"
"The question is why she put up with your pathetic ass for all these years. Now she is getting satisfying sex from someone who can give her 8 inches of pleasure; multiple orgasms; and most importantly, get it up."
"What? Not that I really want to explain to my child, but I am having 'health issues'. And, she has multiple orgasms with me!"
"She has faked all her orgasms with you. Do you really think your 3-inch willy that doesn't work, is going to cut it with any woman?"
Obviously, her and her mom have had very intimate conversations and unfortunately, they weren't far off the mark. Not only was I small when soft but I was having difficulty maintaining an erection.
"I can't believe I am having this conversation with my daughter."
"Oh, that too. I'm not your biological daughter."
"Wow. Then this makes it easier to never have to talk to you."
"No worries. I will only miss not having more laughs at your expense. Good bye loser."
I didn't even say goodbye, just left without paying the bill. This was a start. No more monies from Daddy. However, I did take her water class with me. I may not be well endowed, but stupid and slow I'm not.
I needed verifiable proof she is not my daughter. DNA for paternity. As for the marriage, I would also hire a PI to get me photographic evidence of my wife's cheating.
While I was waiting for the information, I was on a emotional rollercoaster. Oscillating between love, hate, empathy and indifference for both my wife and daughter. A week later I had confirmation. Everything my daughter, wait--let me now call her Non-da, short for Non-daughter--told me was correct.
Thank goodness for my Recovery, Inc. training. One spotting term stood out--"If you can't change the event; change your attitude." So, I changed my address and moved out. I wasn't giving in; just fighting from a better base.
Now for me it broke down to contractual law. After all marriage is a contract and filial obligation now a non-consideration.
Two weeks later, my soon to be ex-wife sued me for divorce. She was asking for a ridiculous amount of my wealth. Yes, I am borderline wealthy. More like well off. And she was also asking for a large amount of spousal and child support?
My answer, after hiring an excellent family law attorney, was to do... nothing! I was in no hurry to get married again, whereas she may be having those thoughts. There was more pressure on her to get this farce over with.
I waited a month, after she would be sweating with paying some of the bills, then told my lawyer to counter sue for an annulment. It was a bit of a long shot but they didn't know that. I had evidence of: infidelity going back before our wedding; a child I did not father; and, her saying she has never had an orgasm with me. My barrister used an old, convoluted statute declaring that the marriage was not consummated. Also, that the marriage was fraudulent from the beginning.
After waiting another two months, to add more pressure, my lawyer negotiated a settlement. It was going to be a divorce after all, but they blinked. From her initial request of 80% of my assets and support, we settled for her receiving 25% and no support. Our matrimonial home would be about half of her settlement. I never wanted to step back inside anyways. I also had the reason for the divorce amended to infidelity. Not that it mattered legally, but it felt better.
I took a hit, but overall, was still well off. However, when I signed my divorce papers I had a break down of sorts. As naive as I was, I had liked being married and it was now officially gone.
Back at my office, I became a bear and extremely grumpy. I would be free in about six months, but it finally hit me. The finality of the 20+ years wasted.
Thankfully there were three high points: I was still well off; I had a good job that helped keep my mind off my personal disaster; and lastly, Jinny--my PA.
Jinny was a god send. I didn't want to bring my personal woes to work, but the day we signed the papers, I was morose.
She came into my office and asked, "What's wrong boss?"
I had held off telling anyone, partially from embarrassment, partly just trying to soldier on--stiff upper lip. Today it quivered. A few tears actually rolled down my cheeks. Jinny closed the gap and hugged me. I lay my head on her shoulder. She was a tall, beautiful, younger woman. I told her my whole distressing story. It was very cathartic.
She comforted me, "You are a great guy." Then she kissed me softly.
It made me feel better momentarily, but quickly caught myself. This was unprofessional. I straightened up, "Okay, back to work."
The odd thing was that Jinny's work now seemed to suffer. She began making simple mistakes. It got to the point where I had to mention, "Jinny, I'm not sure if my personal problems are affecting your work. You have to forget my problems and carry on like you use to do." But she kept making mistakes. Some getting more serious.
A week later I got a call from our largest customer, Ms. Mortimer. "Robert, (that's me), I think you have a serious problem with your PA. The latest quotes you sent me was for over $10,000,000."
"What? That should have been $100,000.00. She forgot the decimal place. I'm so sorry Ms. Mortimer."
"Please. After all our years together, it's Margaret. And there have been other problems with things she has sent me."
"Okay, thank you,... Ah,... Margaret. I hate to say that I probably have to let her go. She has been with me for 10 years, but these latest problems will have to be addressed. Thank you for letting me know."
After disconnecting the call, "Jinny, could you come in, please?"
A moment later she swishes into the office. This has been another problem. For the last little while, her clothes or lack thereof, have become sexier. Short skirts. Translucent blouses unbuttoned down; showing extra cleavage. Push-up bra? Not her normal business attire.
"Jinny, I had hoped my personal problems have not led to your poor performances of late but," and I had to pause to collect myself, "things have come to a head." After hesitating again, "This is the hardest thing I have ever done. I am going to have to let you go. I am so sorry."
"I suspected so boss."
"I will give you a sterling review to help your future job search."
"Thank you boss. Can I finish out the day? Say goodbye to the others?"
"Of course Jinny. I must admit you are taking this better than I imagined."
"I suspected it might happen. Thank you for being a wonderful boss. Can I give you a hug before I leave?"
"Certainly" I held out my arms and she gave me a great hug and another kiss on the lips. Very reminiscent of our other encounter when I broke down in her arms--what just two weeks ago? I felt guilty that my problems had affected her work so much.
At workday's end, Jinny popped in and said, "I was able to get Ms. Mortimer and you a business dinner meeting tonight at Chez Parise. 8pm."
"Thank you Jinny. Good luck again with your job search."
At 7:58, as I was about to enter the restaurant. In my mind I said over and over Margaret, Margaret, not Ms. Mortimer. It reminded me of my childhood best friend--Charlie Smith. His dad was always Mr. Smith to me. When I started my own company at the age of 25, Mr. Smith insisted I called him John or Jack. I couldn't. He would always remain Mr. Smith with me.
I pondered why Jinny had set this rendezvous up with Ms. Mortimer at a chic romantic restaurant. An odd place for a business meeting. Did Jinny try to set me up with Margaret. Or did Ms. Mortimer press her to set up a romantic setting. Or, had Jinny just fucked up again.
There at the candlelit table for two sat Ms. Mortimer. Oddly she was dressed in formal business apparel. Little makeup. Even her hair was pulled back. Maybe I was overblowing all this romantic nonsense. Jinny needed to get her head straight in her future endeavors.
"Good evening, Ms. Mortimer." I leaned in and kissed her cheek.
"Please I insist, Margaret," she said softly.
"Yes Margaret. This is a strange place for a business meeting. But I hope you will continue as our customer."
"We would never leave you. You are always competitive and your products and service are wonderful. But now if you will excuse me, I have another meeting to attend."