Olivia’s POV

“What do you mean, a fiancée? You’re kidding, right?” I stammered, utterly shocked as my husband introduced the woman by his side as his fiancée.

“No need to act so surprised, Olivia,” Alexander said with a casual shrug, his tone unnervingly calm. “This isn’t exactly news.”

My throat tightened, maybe from the wine I’d just sipped, or maybe from the sting of his words.

“Don’t you remember me, Olivia?” the brunette spoke up for the first time, her bold smile unwavering. “I’m Vanessa. We went to college together.” She paused briefly before continuing. “You’ve probably heard of me—I was Alexander’s ex. We had our differences back then and parted ways, but it’s never too late to reignite old flames.” She flashed a warm smile at Alexander, who returned it with a tenderness that cut me deeply.

I sat frozen, unable to move a single muscle, stunned by the scene unfolding before me.

“It’s understandable that Olivia’s in shock. This decision of yours caught us all off guard, Alexander,” Nathan said, voicing the discomfort we all felt.

“I know, and I even sympathize,” Alexander replied, his gaze softening as he looked at Vanessa, gently squeezing her hand. “But sometimes, you have to make tough choices for your own happiness.”

“Alright, so can the lovebirds take a seat?” Nathan gestured to the empty sofa nearby, inviting Alexander and his fiancée to join us. They sat down promptly.

Nathan, Grace, and I squirmed with discomfort, watching Alexander dote on this other woman right in front of us. He showed no regard for our feelings, brazenly bringing his lover into a private conversation about our marriage.

It felt like a punch to the gut. Seeing him so affectionate, so smitten with her, hurt more than I could have imagined. Despite all my efforts over the years to win his love, even on the rare days when Alexander showed me a flicker of warmth, he’d never looked at me the way he looked at Vanessa now. It was painfully clear he loved her, not me. The realization hit me slowly but cruelly: my husband had never truly been mine—he belonged to someone else.

“So, Vanessa,” Grace said, her earlier suspicions about Vanessa’s return now confirmed. “You’ve been gone for years. Where have you been all this time?”

“True,” Vanessa replied, her charming smile framed by glossy lipstick. “After leaving the city, I spent some time in Asia, then Europe, trying to move on from this man.” She squeezed Alexander’s hand. “But clearly, that was impossible. All my efforts fell apart when I saw him in Paris. It was like my heart was screaming that I belonged with him. And now, here we are.”

“But he’s married to me. He’s not yours anymore,” I blurted out, the words spilling before I could stop them.

Alexander sighed, looking at me with weary impatience. “That’s why we’re going through with the divorce, Olivia. Just sign the papers.”

“Are you sure about this, Alexander? You’re really throwing away your marriage for your ex?” Nathan pressed, hoping to sway him.

“I’ve never been more certain of anything,” Alexander replied, turning to me. “You know there was never any love in our marriage, Olivia.”

“There was love, Alexander. I’ve always loved you,” I said, my voice thick with emotion.

“You might’ve loved me, but it was always one-sided,” he said, each word cutting deeper. “You know why I married you. Back then, Vanessa left me, and I was lost, angry. My parents were pushing me to settle down, and you were there, willing. But I never loved you, Olivia. Life’s too short to keep pretending. Vanessa is the one I’ve always loved. If you can accept that, you’ll sign the papers and let this go.”

His words were daggers, shredding my heart. Unable to bear it, I stood and bolted from the lounge, desperate to escape the pain. Tears blurred my vision as I ran, hearing Grace call after me, but I didn’t stop. I just needed to get away from Alexander and his cruel truth.

---

All the years I’d poured into this marriage, hoping one day he’d love me back, had been for nothing. How foolish I’d been, clinging to illusions. I felt pathetic for believing in a love that never existed.

I stayed in my upstairs room, slumped on the couch, my head resting on Grace’s shoulder. She let me cry until my tears ran dry, leaving me hollow and defeated.

“Nathan just texted,” Grace said, rubbing my back. “Alexander’s not budging. He says he won’t leave until you sign the papers.” She sighed, delivering the crushing news.

“You know what I think, Olivia? You shouldn’t let him walk all over you like this. He used you to please his parents and now thinks he can just toss you aside? What a selfish jerk! You should stay married, just to spite him!” Grace’s anger flared, and I managed a faint smile, grateful for her fierce loyalty.

But the truth hurt more than anything. Learning Alexander married me out of convenience was a brutal wake-up call. I’d been living in a love story that was never mine—it belonged to him and Vanessa. I never even had a chance.

How could a marriage collapse when it was never real? I wiped my tears and stood up.

“What are you going to do?” Grace asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Taking a shaky breath, I said, “It’s over, Grace. I’m going to sign the papers.”

“No, Olivia, you can’t give up like this! You have to keep fighting!” she pleaded, desperate to protect my dignity.

“Fight for what?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper. “For a marriage that never existed? For a love that was always one-sided? What’s the point? If I keep holding on, I’ll only suffer more. Alexander will resent me, despise me. My life will be a nightmare, and I can’t bear to see them together. I’d rather walk away, Grace. I’m tired of hurting.”

Grace saw there was no point in fighting for something Alexander never wanted. She hugged me tightly, letting me sob a little longer.

“I’m so sorry, Olivia,” she said softly. “Stay strong. I’ll be here for you, no matter what you choose.”

Her support gave me the strength I needed. Grateful for her presence, I headed downstairs.

Alexander was waiting, still hand-in-hand with Vanessa. The divorce papers sat on the table, a pen ready beside them.

“Have you decided, Olivia?” he asked, eyeing the small suitcase I carried. His expression was almost eager, like he was finally getting what he wanted.

“You’re making the right choice,” Vanessa said, but I ignored her. Knowing my husband was leaving me for her was pain enough.

Nathan and Grace stood nearby, their faces heavy with sorrow. They didn’t want me to sign, but I was exhausted from fighting a losing battle. I picked up the pen and signed the divorce papers.