My Rise From the Ashes After Divorce

"What did you say!?" Blake's anger truly begins to blaze.

"I want a divorce," I said calmly, trying to keep from losing my temper.

"Blake raised his voice as if that justified all the hurt and pain he had caused me. "You will get what I give you. Do you understand! And that's not going to be a divorce anytime soon. A woman like you needs to learn how to treat a man like me, after all I've done for you."

"Exactly, what have you done for me lately? Tell me what you have done for me. Almost killed me with all your lying and cheating! Stressing me out to the point of causing me to lose my baby! That's all you've done for me, Blake Crenshaw."

Jake, Blake's twin brother, and their father were up working late in the family library. When they were suddenly disturbed by the shouting and doors slamming that came from our upstairs bedroom, that's when Jake realized Treasure had made it home from the hospital. But he kept his cool, even though he was excited and relieved that she was okay, but very displeased that Blake was being unthoughtful of the delicate matter she had just experienced. It made Jake instantly angry with his brother. But he had to stay calm.

Mr. Crenshaw let out a deep sigh, showing his frustration. "What's going on with your brother? Why can't he be responsible like you? I told him he'd better be careful with his relationships at that office. But did he listen? No. That boy never listens. Maybe I should have let you marry that girl."

"I told you I was the one better fit for a family. But you got me tied down to this business, when it's Blake who loves dealing with these scumbags."

"Jake, I need your brains in this operation. Blake needs to settle down and start valuing family life, and besides, he's the oldest. I don't think that boy would have ever gotten married if I hadn't forced him. It's been seven years, and he still hasn't had one child. How am I supposed to keep the Crenshaw family name going if he can't get that girl pregnant? I thought maybe if he had his own family, that might help him some."

"Forcing Blake to marry isn't going to make him love the lifestyle of a family man. I'm the one who wants all those things, but your decision has only made all of us suffer, especially that sweet, innocent girl. Dad, did you really want her to be tortured? I'm telling you, Blake's method of getting paid for debt is inhumane and it's dangerous.

"My, aren't you a bit emotional over your brother's wife? Another man's woman. Be careful, my boy. You know how your brother can be about his toys."

"I'm not being emotional, and that's just it; she's not his toy. I'm just stating facts. Plus, she deserves a far better man than Blake, Dad; she's a good woman."

"I thought Blake getting married might change him a bit. Boy, was I wrong. But that girl isn't clueless. I've watched her around this house, and all the transformations she's made over the years. She doesn't come from good stock, but she's resilient and I like that about her, and she's pretty smart too."

"I know all those good things about Treasure, the only person who doesn't appreciate her is Blake. I warned him not to hurt her. And that's exactly what he's done by playing around with other women. I'm so upset right now. I don't know what I might do."

"You stay out of their marriage, I'm warning you, Jake, that could be dangerous. I don't want to see you two fighting over some gambler's daughter. Now go tell him, "I want to see him when he gets back from his trip."

"Dad, we are not little boys anymore. I know the real reason you are sending me up to his room. I'm getting tired of always having to clean up Blake's messes. How long have I been doing this? Since we were kids. He might be the older twin, but I'm the mature one, and you know it. We look alike and that's it. I have absolutely nothing in common with my brother, and I'm fed up with how he's handling things lately, and even more so how he's been treating Treasure."

"I know, but I can't let his careless attitude mess up what we've worked so hard to accomplish."

"When am I going to be set free, from all of this, Dad?"

Jake stepped out of the library feeling frustrated. He headed up the stairs with the intention of confronting his brother, hoping to restore some peace at home. He was tired of always being the peacemaker and coming up with excuses for his brother's terrible behavior. His irritation grew as he overheard Blake disrespecting Treasure. With determination, he knocked firmly on the bedroom door.

Although Jake and Blake looked very much alike, he often found himself wishing they didn't. They shared the same strong features and athletic build. But there were enough differences to set them apart-Blake had dark hair while Jake sported platinum blonde, and one twin had a distinct dimple in his jawline. Jake kept his hair blonde because he didn't want anyone to confuse him with Blake or mistakenly take a bullet for him. Blake was his brother, but he didn't care about boundaries, he flirted with married women all the time.

"I'm coming in," Jake declared confidently before opening the door. He stopped at the doorsill, instantly aware of the thick tension in the room. The atmosphere felt heavy, sensing the weight of what was taking place.

"What's going on?" he asked, concern flickering in his eyes.

"Nothing, Jake. It's none of your business."

"Blake, you've made it everyone's business in this house as loud as the two of you are shouting. I heard you way downstairs. Why is Treasure crying? What have you done to her?"

"I haven't done anything to her. And since when did I have to start answering you about my wife?" Blake's voice dripped with irritation, yet Jake's gaze remained steady on Treasure, a hint of worry etched on his face.

"Then you need to start acting like a man and treat her like a wife. Treasure, are you okay?" Jake's eyes glanced at her, his tone softening, genuinely concerned.

"I'll be fine," she replied, her voice barely a whisper, locking eyes with Jake, the desperation pooling in her gaze. His presence felt like a lifeline thrown into turbulent waters. Jake turned, looking at Blake with venom, revealing his so-called business trip with his secretary in front of Treasure. Jake felt she deserved to know every sneaky thing his brother was doing.

"Dad says when you get back from Hawaii with Clara, he wants to have a meeting with us."

"Yeah, now leave my room, and mind your business. So, I can deal with my wife." Blake said sharply, his eyes narrowing. Jake mirrored his brother's expression, both locked in a silent stare-off before Jake looked at Treasure as she nodded at him, she was okay. Then and only then did Jake decide to retreat from the room. But Jake stood guard outside the door listening, just in case Treasure needed him to defend her from his brother.

"Blake, you don't get to shut me out. I can't believe this. Are you really going to take that tramp to Hawaii with you?"