Elliot Monroe's eyes went cold in an instant. A storm was brewing behind those dark, brooding pupils.

But Sera Monroe acted like she didn't notice a thing. She kept going.

"You once said, if we were ever gonna get divorced, it should be you who brings it up.

Well, go ahead. I'm listening."

Elliot's gaze turned ice-cold.

"Sera Monroe, seriously? Pulling the same stunt twice? That's just pathetic. I'm running outta patience. You'd better quit pushing my buttons."

Looking at the man in front of her, all sharp words and harsh stares, Sera felt drained in a way she'd never known before.

She was just tired. Really tired. She couldn't hold on anymore. She wanted out.

Why couldn't he see that?

She took a deep breath, her voice steady and sincere.

"Elliot, I mean it this time.

This isn't a game. I'm not playing mind tricks or trying to guilt-trip you.

I've just had enough. I'm letting go—for both our sakes. You get your freedom, and I get mine. That's it."

Something in Elliot finally shifted.

He stared at her for a long time, looking for any sign she was bluffing. But all he saw was finality in her eyes.

She wasn't playing.

His fingers curled slightly, tense. Then he asked, voice low and tight, like he was holding something back.

"You really thought this through?"

"Yeah," she said firmly, without even a pause.

It hurt like hell. Her heart was already shredded to pieces, bleeding out inside her. But she didn't waver.

Maybe before, when she mentioned divorce, it was because she was heartbroken, desperate, still clinging to some foolish hope that he'd finally love her back.

But now? Now she was done hoping.

What happened last night had sealed it. Whatever they had—it was over.

Elliot stared at her, his expression unreadable. After a beat, he finally said:

"You know once we're divorced, there's no turning back..."

"I won't regret it," she cut in.

"Fine. Great," he snapped, then let out a bitter chuckle.

He yanked her out of his arms and stormed out. When he came back, he was holding a document.

—The divorce papers.

He tossed them in front of her.

"Take a look. If you don't have any objections, sign it."

Sera looked down at the familiar document, and a bitter taste filled her mouth.

He'd prepared this three years ago. His signature was already on it.

That day... it was their wedding day.

She'd been so excited, so full of love and hope for their first night together. And this man—this man had handed her divorce papers instead.

It was like a bucket of ice water dumped on her heart.

How could she have accepted that?

She hadn't even looked at the contents back then. Just refused flat-out.

Looking back now, it was laughable.

She should've known. She did know—he never wanted her. But she'd been stubborn. Thought if she loved him enough, gave enough, he'd come around.

She forgot—Elliot wasn't heartless. He just gave his heart to someone else.

Sera slowly pushed herself up and held out her hand toward him.

"No need to look. Just give me the pen."

No matter what the terms were, she'd accept them.

Elliot didn't move.

Sera gave him a confused look.

"I'm not rushing you," he said coldly. "Read it carefully. I don't want people saying I treated my ex-wife like crap after the fact."

Sera blinked. What the hell did he mean by that?

Did he really think she was gonna use this as some kind of trap? That she'd come back later and try to blackmail him?

Is that what he really thought of her?

"If you're that worried, I can write up a separate agreement. Promise I won't come after you for anything, ever."

Her voice was weak. She thought her heart was already numb. Turns out, Elliot still knew exactly where to stab to make it hurt more.

She bit her lip. The pain in her chest felt bitter, like her blood had turned to poison.

But Elliot didn't soften. His jaw was tight, eyes colder than ever.

After a long silence, he finally threw the pen down.

"Whatever. Do what you want."

He didn't look away, though. His eyes stayed locked on her.

Sera picked up the pen, and with a hand that shook slightly, she signed her name.

She'd thought she was ready. But the moment her name hit the paper, it felt like her heart was being cut open all over again.

When she finished the last stroke, a wave of nausea hit her. She tasted blood in the back of her throat.

But she swallowed it down, stuffed the pain deep inside, and handed the divorce papers back to Elliot.

He gripped the paper tight, his face darkening even more.

"Tomorrow, we'll go to the courthouse and make it official. I'm not giving you time to change your mind."

Sera gave a bitter smile. "Alright."

He didn't say another word. Just slammed the door on his way out.

Sera lay back on the bed, her face pale, lips trembling.

So eager, huh?

Was he scared she'd back out? That she'd keep clinging to the title of 'wife' and make things awkward for Liora Bennett?

Don't worry. That'll never happen again.

Never… again.

She closed her eyes. A single tear slipped from the corner of her eye.

Bang!

The bedroom door suddenly burst open from the outside…