Divorced At Eighteen

MINAH didn’t expect much from that dinner with Asher Moore, her husband. All she wanted was to spend her eighteenth birthday and the Christmas Eve with him, a day she thought would be special. She had even refused her parents’ offer of a grand celebration. The only thing she wished for was to be with Asher. Despite his busy schedule managing his family’s business, he still managed to make time for her, inviting her out for dinner. Minah assumed it was his birthday gift to her. That day was undeniably extra special to her because of her husband. Just having him there for such an important moment in her life was more than enough. After all, he hadn’t been in the country last Christmas. Excited, she dressed up like a proper young lady, preparing for what she believed would be a memorable evening. After all, now that she was eighteen, they could finally live together under one roof, as their parents had agreed when they arranged their marriage. She had waited two long years for this moment. Although they were already married, they hadn’t shared a home, a room, or even a honeymoon. And Minah had made sure to prepare for the future. She’d studied how to use contraceptive pills, just in case things became intimate once they started living together. The thought of such closeness made her heart race, but she was ready. Why wouldn’t she be? Any woman would dream of giving herself to a man like Asher Moore. Handsome, successful, and the object of every woman’s affection, he was a man worth fighting for. No one knew they were married except for their families, but now that she was of legal age, Minah was ready for the world to know. She also wanted to shut down the women constantly vying for his attention. However, Asher was cold and distant and never showed her the slightest hint of affection or interest. His focus was solely on his family’s business. So when he invited her to dinner, she eagerly said yes. She was hopeful that things were about to change. After their meal, Minah flashed a sweet smile at Asher. She could never get tired of staring at his flawless, handsome face. He looked like God had been wide awake when he created Asher Moore. She was certain he would announce their new living arrangement and perhaps plan a grand party to reveal their marriage to society. The church wedding she dreamed of would come after college, but for now, she was happy to take it one step at a time. Minah could truly feel the holiday spirit at that moment. Yes, Christmas was definitely in the air. She was more excited about that dinner than opening the presents waiting for her under their Christmas tree at home. Aside from the gift she’d received from Asher, she was thrilled to hear what he had to say that evening. “Thank you for the dinner,” Minah said with a smile. “I honestly thought you’d be too busy, so I didn’t expect you to be here tonight.” But Asher didn’t even give her a fake smile. His expression remained serious, unaffected by her gratitude or her beauty. What puzzled her, though, was his cold demeanor. It was as if he was even colder than the Christmas weather in Townsville. Did something happen? “I can’t stay long. I just need to give you something,” he said coldly, pulling out an envelope from the bag beside him. Minah had been curious about that bag all evening. When Asher finally pulled out its contents and placed a paper on the table, her world seemed to stop. It was the last thing she expected. Her hands trembled as she stared at it, the words glaring back at her. It was a divorce paper. The happiness drained from her face. She looked up at Asher, hoping for some sign of regret or hesitation, but there was none. “What’s this?” Minah asked, her voice shaking despite her effort to stay calm. She already knew the answer, but why would he hand her divorce papers on her birthday? And, at the freaking Christmas eve? “Can’t you read?” he replied sarcastically. “Let’s get divorced. Just sign the paper, Minah.” “And if I don’t?” “Damn it, Minah. Just sign the damn paper,” he said firmly, his voice low but sharp. At that moment, Asher looked like a devil to her. “This is your birthday gift to me, Asher?” she asked, her voice filled with hurt. His brows furrowed, but he remained silent. “What a thoughtful gift. Divorce papers on my birthday and Christmas eve?” she continued bitterly. “Are you serious about this, Asher?” Asher finally responded, regaining his composure. “Come on, Minah. Don’t drag this out. You know why we got married. Your dad’s business is stable now. There’s no reason for us to stay together.” “Do our parents know about this?” she asked, fighting back tears. Her throat burned with the effort to keep her emotions in check. “Not yet. And don’t you dare even think about telling them about this. I’ll be the one to tell them. Don’t get ahead of me, Minah. You won’t like what I’ll do if you try. I might even make sure your father’s business—the one he worked so hard for—completely crumbles.” At that moment, fear gripped her for her father’s livelihood. She knew how much he had sacrificed to build it. Shaking her head, Minah placed a hand on her temple and looked down at the paper in front of her again. It felt like a sharp pain had struck her head. All her dreams, everything she had prepared for this moment, came crashing down. She had been so excited about the future, only to discover that Asher had a plan of his own—and he didn’t include her. And on the very day of her eighteenth birthday, he decided to divorce her. The man she thought she’d be living with under one roof, as promised by their parents, had made it clear that would never happen. Her lips tightened as she recalled the rumors circulating about Asher’s ex-girlfriend, Irish, returning to the country. At first, she dismissed the gossip, even the claim that someone had seen Irish riding in Asher’s car. But now, with the divorce papers in front of her, it seemed the rumors might be true. What chance did a teenager like her have against Asher’s ex-girlfriend, someone closer to his age and far more experienced? They probably looked at her as if she were still a child, someone who didn’t even belong in the same league. “Is this because your ex, Irish, is back? Is that why you want to divorce me?” Minah asked, looking directly at Asher. “Our divorce has nothing to do with Irish. Don’t drag her name into this, Minah.” Of course, he’d defend that woman. How lucky she must be. Minah met his gaze, refusing to back down, but the coldness in his eyes shattered her heart, which secretly loved him. Maybe he would never choose her. “In God’s perfect time, the truth will come out about why you want this divorce, Asher. You know how much our parents are against us separating.” “And you know how much I hate this marriage.” Minah fought with all her strength to hold back her tears in front of him. “Fine. But remember this, Asher Moore,” she said, her voice sharp with anger. “From this moment on, I never want to see your face again. Not even a strand of your hair. Until the day you disappear from this world, stay far away from me.” With that, she grabbed a pen and signed the divorce papers. Then, she removed her wedding ring, placed it in front of him, and walked out of the VIP room of the high-end restaurant without looking back. She had entered that room whole, but never in her wildest dreams did she think she’d leave utterly shattered. And just when that day meant so much to her, Asher managed to hurt her deeply—the same heart that had done nothing but love him. And what did she get in return? Nothing but unbearable pain. What a cruel way for Christmas to welcome her.