After the Divorce: Encounters with Three Elite Suitors

"Game over, baby." Heath slid the folder across the table, his eyes laser-focused on Freya, daring her to blink.

Freya? She was the picture of chill, not even a flicker of emotion as she laid out the silverware like they were pieces in a game of chess.

"Dinner at home tonight, babe?" she asked, her voice as smooth as silk, hiding the storm brewing inside.

Heath, the workaholic, had been MIA for a week, but tonight? Tonight was different. Freya had been in the kitchen all afternoon, whipping up a feast of his faves, but all he had on his mind was D-I-V-O-R-C-E.

Freya? She'd seen this coming. Ivy was back in town, and Heath was itching to hit the rewind button on their marriage. She remembered the mess Ivy left behind, the way Heath had spiraled into a pit of despair. But now? It was like he'd been hypnotized, ready to jump back into the fire.

Heath, not getting the reaction he wanted, pushed the folder closer. "Look, after the divorce, if you need anything, I'm here. Not like I'm gonna leave you high and dry."

He looked at Freya, the girl next door who'd given up her life to be his homemaker. No makeup, no fancy clothes, just a simple plaid shirt and a bun. Too plain, too... boring.

She'd been the perfect housewife, but that was then. Now, he needed to get back to his Ivy, who'd already said yes to his ring.

Heath was ready to sweeten the deal, to throw money at the problem if he had to. He'd waited three long years for Ivy, and he wasn't about to lose her again.

But Freya? She was in her own world, oblivious to his scheming. She disappeared into the kitchen, pulling out a tray of perfectly roasted veggies like it was no big deal.

"Dinner at home tonight?" she asked again, setting the dish down with a flourish.

Heath was ready to make his exit. He had a date with Ivy at the swanky revolving restaurant, and he wasn't about to be late.

"Nah, I'm good. Got plans," he said, not even looking at the spread. He was here to end things, not to reminisce.

Heath left the folder, a ticking time bomb, and was about to walk out when Freya dropped the bombshell.

"I'm in," she said, her voice as cold as steel.

"Split everything fair and square. I won't take a penny more. But I want the house."

Heath was floored, but he played it cool. The house was prime real estate, but he was willing to let it go to get what he wanted.

"Deal," he said, trying to hide his victory dance.

Heath had a few properties, but this one was the jewel in the crown. Freya had made it her castle, and he figured she either loved it or knew its worth.

Whatever the reason, he was one step closer to freedom. The negotiation had gone smoother than he'd ever imagined.

Heath felt like he was walking on air as he left. He couldn't wait to tell Ivy the good news over a romantic dinner.

As soon as the door closed behind Heath, Freya whipped out her phone and dialed.

"Freya?" came the voice on the other end.

"Yep, it's me," she said, her tone casual.

"What's up? I thought you were living the dream?" her friend teased.

"Cut the crap. Where are you?" Freya got straight to the point.

"Mall, trying on clothes."

"Forget that. Get over here. We're celebrating," Freya commanded.

"...You? Didn't you say we weren't allowed to crash your little nest?" her friend hesitated.

"I'm free now. Get your butt over here," Freya declared, a smile in her voice.

"Really!?" her friend squealed, "Be right there. And I'm bringing champagne!"

Before the hour was up, a red Ferrari was parked outside, and out stepped a bombshell in heels, shopping bags in one hand and a bottle of bubbly in the other, ready to party.

Rachel burst in, all smiles and energy. "What's the point of playing house when you can have the world at your feet?" she said, brandishing the champagne. "Let's pop this bad boy open and celebrate your freedom!"

She handed Freya a stack of shopping bags, her eyes sparkling. "I got you the latest looks, all in your size. Get changed and let's hit the town. There are men everywhere you look."

Freya, unfazed by the whirlwind that was Rachel, accepted the bags. "Tonight can wait. I'm starving. Care to join me for some of this food I slaved over?"

Rachel, seeing Freya's unshaken demeanor, dug in. "Why the sudden divorce? Did he mess with you?"

Freya chewed thoughtfully, then replied, "I married for a break, to live a simple life. Divorcing now is the same reason-I'm done, I'm ready to get back to me."