Elara’s POV

“Since You Want to Leave, Then Get Out Tonight!”

I was sitting in the hall, waiting. Not because I missed him. And certainly not because I had anything left to say. But because I wanted him to see my face when I handed him the ending he never thought I had the strength to write.

When the door screeched open, Adrian walked in like he always did with shoulders high, his presence was always loud, and his ego was taller than the roof. He dropped his car keys on the console and adjusted the cuffs of his shirt. Like nothing at all happened before he left for work.How rude and proud can one person be? I didn't say anything. I was just busy with my phone also giving him the treatment he was giving. 

“Elara,” he said, nodding at me briefly.

I didn’t answer. I just stared at him, with a blank expression, the same way he looked at me this morning when I had tears in my eyes and all he gave was silence.

He looked at me for a second longer, like he was expecting something. Possibly a response or smile at him the way I usually do even when he offends me. The audacity to expect a warm welcome after such betrayal? 

 When I gave him nothing, he frowned slightly and turned his back.

“Tell the cook I want my food ready in ten minutes,” he said, already climbing the stairs to his room.

I didn’t reply.

Ten minutes later, he came back down, dressed in casual shorts and a black tee, rubbing his stomach and humming to himself like the world was his. I don't blame him. I rolled my eyes and continued pressing my phone. 

He walked over to the dining table where I had perfectly set everything…spoons, napkins, sparkling dishes with golden covers. It was the usual royal spread.

He pulled out a chair and sat, opened the first dish… then paused.

There was nothing on the plate. He moved to the next one, looking confused yet there was nothing.

“What the hell….” he muttered. I wanted to laugh at his expression but it would mess up everything. 

Finally, his eyes landed on the neatly folded envelope placed on his plate.

“Elara!” he barked.

I leaned on the head of the couch that I was sitting on, with my arms folded. “What?” I asked, acting clueless about what he was talking about. 

“What the hell is this? I asked for food, not some damn envelope. Are you dumb?”

A smile tugged at my lips. I was already used to his harsh words. So, I didn't pay attention to the mean words. 

“That’s your dinner,” I replied sweetly. “I hope you enjoy it.”

He stood up, and his chair screeched across the tiled floor. “Are you playing games with me now? After all the stress I’ve had today?”

“No games,” I said. “Just open it.”

Frowning, he picked up the envelope and tore it open roughly, and read through the content.

A scoff escaped his lips. “Divorce letter?”

He looked at me like I had lost my mind. “What the hell is this? Some stupid prank? Because I’m not in the mood. Bring me my damn food.”

“I’m not joking, Adrian,” I said calmly. “I want a divorce.”

He blinked. And then laughed. Loudly and bitterly. “A divorce? From me? You want a divorce from me?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, now you’ve gone completely mad,” he said, slamming the envelope back on the table. “Because I ignored your little emotional outburst earlier today? Grow up, Elara. Life is not some fairytale where I worship your feelings. Bring my food.”

“I said I want a divorce, Adrian!” I shouted, walking forward. “This… whatever this is between us… it’s not a marriage! It’s a prison. You don’t love me. You don’t respect me. You don’t even look at me unless it’s convenient for you. Your mind and soul is with Celine so go be with her.”

“You think I’m the only problem here?” he snapped. “Do you think you’re some saint? You’re overly sensitive. You cry over every damn thing. You always want more, more, more! I gave you a ring, didn’t I? I married you!”

“You married me for reasons, to be someone else!” I shouted. “You still want her! You never loved me! It was just… convenient. I can't live in someone else’s shadow.”

“You can't even be her. Moreover, you begged to be in my life!” he growled. “You chased me. You confessed to me. You threw yourself at me like a damn fan girl! Don’t change the story now.”

“I was young and in love,” I said, with my voice trembling. “But even fools grow up. And I’ve grown, Adrian. I’ve grown enough to know when I’m being emotionally abused.”

“Abused? Oh please,” he laughed darkly. “You should be thanking me for even choosing you. Do you know how many women would kill to be in your position?”

“Then let one of them have it!” I yelled. “I’m done!”

He stared at me for a long moment, then slowly shook his head. “You really think you’re walking out of here with your head high, huh?”

“I don’t care how I walk out, Adrian. I just want out.”

He moved closer, with his voice low and dangerous. “Fine. You want out? Then don’t expect a dime from me. Not one. I’ll sign your little papers, but you’re leaving with nothing.”

“I didn’t ask for your money,” I whispered. “I never did.”

He grabbed a pen from the drawer nearby, signed the divorce papers with an exaggerated flourish, and threw them at my feet like they were garbage.

“There. Signed. Now get out of my sight.”

I bent slowly and picked them up, smoothing the creases. I checked the time on my phone.

“Tomorrow morning, I’ll leave.”

“No,” he growled.

My head snapped up. “What?”

“You want to leave?” he said, with his voice rising. “Then leave now. Tonight. We are no longer married.”

“Adrian…”

He turned and shouted toward the hallway. “Martha! Rose! Come here, now!”

Two of the maids rushed in, with their eyes wide with confusion.

“Pack all her things,” he commanded. “Everything. Throw them out. I want her gone before midnight.”

The maids looked at me, hesitantly.

“NOW!” he roared.

I felt my heart pounding in my chest. My palms went cold, and my legs suddenly felt weak.

He wasn’t bluffing. He really meant to throw me out in the middle of the night. But even as fear crept into my chest, I didn't beg him. He had already done the worst. Because freedom no matter how painful was still freedom.

He looked at me one last time, with his eyes full of rage and mockery.

“I hope you enjoy the cold night, Elara. Because after tonight… you’re nothing.”

And with that, he turned and walked away.