Run, Girl (If You Can)-Chapter 319: Divorce Papers
Posted on January 28, 2025 ยท 1 mins read
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A few weeks later, Keeley took the twins on their daily walk around Central Park. Some mornings she used a stroller; others, she carried them in a double baby wrap. They had recently learned to hold up their heads, so they loved being in the wrap, looking around at everything while nestled against their mother. This particular morning, they were in the wrapโ€”Keeley liked to switch things up to spare her back.

As she walked, she reflected on how well things had been going since the takeover. Sure, she'd received some disbelieving comments on Facebook and Instagram, but that was the worst of it. Neither Alistair nor Roslyn had contacted her, which she was grateful for.

Keeley's Facebook friends knew her husband's identity because she'd updated her relationship status; her Instagram followers did not, as she used only "Keeley H." on that platform. Although nearly everyone in New York City knew Aaron's name, few knew his face.

None of her Facebook friends had leaked the news to the media. She was enjoying her anonymity, but she knew it wouldn't last. Someone would eventually reveal her secret.

Currently, however, people were more interested in the leak (she assumed by Gray) that had surfaced the day after Aaron became CEO. She was somewhat grateful to him; with everyone shocked by Alistair Hale's illegitimate child, fewer people were scrutinizing Aaron's twenty-five-year-old ascension to CEO.

She'd seen several gossip rags report that the city's two most eligible bachelors were brothersโ€”hot news! Too bad they didn't know the truth: Aaron was far from a bachelor. He was the most aggressively affectionate family man she'd ever encountered, which was surprising to anyone who knew him. Sometimes, even Keeley found it hard to believe this was the same man she'd married in her past life.

The sun was beating down, and the babies were getting cranky, so it was time to head home for their nap. She waited on a bench for her driver; Aaron didn't want her taking the subway with two babies alone, which was understandable.

She scrolled through her phone until an elegant but weary voice sounded from her left. "Do you mind if I sit here?"

Keeley looked up and saw a rather disheveled Alice. She'd forgotten this park was near the ritzy part of town. Running into her was less surprising than she'd expected.

"Of course not! Go right ahead. How are you?"

Alice yawned and leaned her head against the bench back. Keeley wouldn't have expected that from a high-society womanโ€”this was a dirty public park, after allโ€”but she supposed Alice was different from other socialites. Aaron wouldn't have trusted her otherwise.

"Not great," Alice admitted. "I served my husband divorce papers this morning and was kicked out. He's furious and won't let me retrieve my belongings."

Keeley frowned. "Why's he so angry if he's the one cheating?"

Aaron had briefed her on Alice's situation after helping her find a lawyer. There was ample evidence of his infidelity, so the divorce should be straightforward. The prenuptial agreement, however, heavily favored Brock. Alice's family would receive their dowry, but little else would help her.

"It's pride," Alice explained. "Men in my social circle get away with infidelity, but divorce is rare. Plus, he'll fight the asset division and alimony. I don't have a job because he didn't want me to work. The courts should rule in my favor on that pointโ€”at least, my lawyer says so. I was such an idiot; I never should have married him."

Misery etched Alice's pretty face, and Keeley's heart ached for her. She'd felt the same way once. It was water under the bridge now, but that didn't erase the years of similar pain.

Keeley comfortingly put an arm around Alice's shoulders. Surprised, Alice jolted before relaxing into the embrace. Alice rested her head on Keeley's shoulder as tears flowed.

"I don't know what to do. I called my parents, but they're as angry as Brock. They won't let me stay with them. I only have my purse and the clothes I'm wearing."

"Do you need money?" Keeley asked.

Alice shook her head. "No, my lawyer advised me to empty my accessible bank account before serving Brock. I transferred everything to an account in my name only. I have a few hundred thousand dollars, but it won't last. I need a place to live and new clothes."

"You can stay with us for now," Keeley said firmly. "My clothes should fit you, though you're a little taller than I am, and you might miss high-end brands."

"I don't mind! Butare you sure? I don't want to be a burden."

Keeley laughed. "Help me with the twins, and we're even. It's hard managing them alone while Aaron's at work."

Alice cried harder, burying her face in her hands. Keeley understood; unexpected kindness could be overwhelming, especially when you're at your lowest.

Her phone buzzedโ€”the driver. Keeley stood and offered Alice a hand.

"Come on, my driver's here. Let's go home, and we'll figure things out. I know what it's like to lose everything. I'll help you get back on your feet."

Alice accepted gratefully, smiling despite her tears. "You're such a good person. Thank you."

(The promotional text at the end was removed as requested.)


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