Chapter: 17

"You'll never be Ashley!" Alan exclaimed, his voice tinged with frustration.

Kaitlin rolled her eyes dismissively. “Alan, get over yourself. I've paid back whatever I owed you for saving my life. Your money? I couldn't care less."

She leaned forward, her voice steady and cold. "I can make my own money."

Then, tapping impatiently on the desk, she urged, “Let's get this divorce finalized. I have other things to attend to."

The clerk, snapping back to reality, quickly processed the documents to avoid any further outbursts.

With the divorce certificate in hand, Kaitlin turned sharply and strode towards the exit.

Lilliana, who had been lurking by the door, watched eagerly, a trace of thrill in her eyes.

Kaitlin paused briefly to address her, her gaze piercing. "Don't get too comfortable. The day is long.”

Caught off guard, Lilliana faltered, unable to respond as Kaitlin exited with her head held high.

Outside, the couple who had minded Kaitlin's suitcase handed her some candy, a gesture she accepted with a resigned smile.

Kaitlin unwrapped the orange-flavored candy and tasted its sweet exterior, though the bitterness in her heart lingered.

Three years of marriage had dissolved, and she was no longer the woman who had once tried so hard to please Alan.

With her suitcase in tow, Kaitlin headed straight for the Oasis Studio. Even though she had a new place rented by her best friend, addressing Nora's plagiarism scandal seemed more pressing.

Upon seeing Kaitlin with her suitcase, Phoebe rushed to assist.

“Where have you been this early in the morning?"

"I just finalized my divorce," Kaitlin revealed.

Phoebe's eyes widened in shock. "You actually went through with it?"

Kaitlin presented the divorce certificate with a flourish. “Here's the proof!"

"That's incredible! I've been telling you to leave Alan forever. What did you ever see in him? Aside from his looks, he's completely useless." Phoebe rattled off Alan's deficiencies with fervor.

Kaitlin exhaled a weary sigh. “Let's leave the past behind us, Phoebe. No more talk of him."

Reining in her tirade, Phoebe nodded. "You're right. He's out of your life now. Let's find you someone worthy!"

"Has Nora come out of hiding yet?" Kaitlin changed the subject.

Phoebe sighed deeply. "The online abuse is horrendous. I tried to see her, but reporters block the way. She won't return to work until this dies down. It's a shame; Nora's immensely talented. To be maligned by Lilliana Willis like this-it's just infuriating!"

Phoebe's concern for her employee was palpable. In Osewood, challenging Alan had its risks, and even as a supportive boss, she felt her hands were tied.