**Title: A Divorce**
As Leona’s voice pierced through the tension in the room, she lifted her foot with a fierce intent, aiming a kick at Josephine.
In a split second, Jacob intervened, shoving her away with a mix of anger and disbelief. “Hey, hey, hey! Are you really going to let your husband bully my daughter, and then think you can lay a hand on her?” His voice was thunderous, echoing off the walls as he glared at Leona.
Leona stumbled backward, crashing onto the floor, the shock of the moment momentarily disorienting her.
Jacob, his frustration boiling over, turned to Rupert. “What about you, my fellow in-laws? Are you just going to stand there like statues while we’re being pushed around?” His voice was a mix of desperation and indignation, pleading for support.
Rupert’s expression was somber, his lips pressed into a thin line, and he remained silent, his gaze fixed on the ground as if he were weighing the gravity of the situation.
Lauren, caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, looked from Jacob to Leona, her face a canvas of annoyance and embarrassment. She stammered, “It’s… it’s your daughter who’s in the wrong, isn’t it?” Her words were hesitant, as if she were trying to convince herself more than anyone else.
Jacob’s voice rose sharply, fueled by a protective instinct. “What did my daughter do wrong? It was your eldest son-in-law who got drunk and… and he ruined my daughter!” The accusation hung heavily in the air, a bitter reminder of the chaos that had unfolded.
Marcus, who had been silently observing, felt a surge of anger at the unexpected confrontation. “What nonsense are you spewing? She set me up! She slipped something into my drink!” His voice was laced with outrage, his eyes darting between Jacob and Leona.
Brielle rushed to help Leona to her feet, but before she could fully regain her balance, Leona charged at Marcus, her fury igniting a fire within her. She attempted to kick him, but he deftly sidestepped her attack, grabbing her shoulders to restrain her.
“Don’t be crazy! I’m the victim here!” he shouted, his grip firm but not cruel.
Leona, consumed by rage, could only scream incoherently, “Aah! Aah!” Her voice was raw, filled with anguish and fury. “You bastard! You bastard!” She swung her fists at Marcus, each hit fueled by her pent-up emotions.
In a desperate bid to contain the chaos, Marcus tightened his hold on her, his patience wearing thin.
Lauren, unable to watch the scene unfold any longer, called out, “Marcus, let her go! Leona, come to Mom!” Her voice was a mix of concern and authority, hoping to restore some semblance of calm.
Leona shot a venomous glare at Marcus before, in a moment of pure defiance, she lowered her head and bit down hard on his shoulder.
Marcus yelped in pain, shoving her away with an exasperated shout, “Damn it, you crazy woman!”
Brielle and Patrick dashed forward, Patrick positioning himself protectively in front of Marcus, fearful that he might retaliate against Leona again. Meanwhile, Brielle swiftly pulled Leona away, guiding her back toward Lauren.
Aveline, sitting quietly beside Lauren, observed the chaos with an expression of indifference. When Leona, her eyes bloodshot and brimming with rage, caught sight of Aveline’s seemingly uncaring demeanor, a wave of resentment washed over her. “This is all your fault,” she spat, her voice dripping with accusation.
In a fit of anger, Leona raised her hand, aiming to slap Aveline across the face.
Lauren and Brielle’s voices rose in unison, “Leona!”
“Big sis, don’t!” Brielle pleaded, her eyes wide with alarm.
Aveline, quick on her feet, leaned away just in time, avoiding the slap with a graceful movement.
Seeing this unfold, Xavier sprang to his feet, his anger palpable. He stormed over and seized Leona’s wrist, his voice low but commanding. “Marcus is the bastard here. Why are you taking it out on my wife?”
Xavier shot a piercing glare at Aunt, defending his position. “Jason, you’re mistaken. Your mom knows exactly what’s happening; she’s just choosing to twist the truth.”
“My wife saved me. Is that supposed to be a secret? Are you suggesting Aunt never knew?” His voice was incredulous, laden with disbelief.
Aunt shot back, “But Leona said…”
“And you believe everything Leona says?” Xavier countered, his voice rising with frustration.
Aunt fell silent, her lips pursed in contemplation, realizing the weight of her words.
Jonathan regarded Xavier with a heavy expression, his thoughts unspoken but palpable in the air.
Jason, sensing the tension, attempted to mediate. “Brother, my mom doesn’t understand the situation and is speaking out of turn. I apologize to you and Aveline on her behalf.” His voice was earnest, hoping to defuse the conflict.
Aunt bristled at the implication. “Why are you apologizing for me? I’m your elder. Can’t I even express my thoughts? Is Xavier really going to hold this against me?” Her tone was accusatory, clearly feeling disrespected.
Jacob, utterly bewildered, wondered if this was all a diversion from the real issue—Marcus’s reckless behavior that had led to this turmoil.
So he exclaimed, “What nonsense are you all talking about? What do you mean Aveline wasn’t the one who saved Xavier?” His frustration was palpable, demanding clarity amidst the chaos.
The room was thick with tension, and the air felt electric, charged with unresolved emotions and the impending storm of conflict.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Urging Him to Get a Divorce (Aveline and Xavier)
When is the novel ending? It’s so unnecessarily long… not a single intimacy or connection just fighting and bickering from the beginning to end...