Olivia’s POV

“Perfect, it’s done!” Alexander exclaimed, almost celebratory, as soon as I finished signing the papers. He carefully checked to ensure there were no errors that could jeopardize the process, eager to finalize the divorce and live his love story with Vanessa, his long-time passion. I had signed everything correctly; I wasn’t there to complicate his life. “Wonderful! The divorce is finally complete!”

With a heavy heart, I slipped the ring off my finger. Despite trying to stay strong, it was nearly impossible not to cry as I removed the ring that had been on my finger for five uninterrupted years. I never imagined I’d take it off, as I had never considered the possibility of separating from Alexander. But now, here I was, placing it on the table, head bowed, while I heard Alexander and Vanessa celebrating, now free to marry legally.

“Well, you’ll ensure her rights, won’t you, Alexander?” Nathan asked, clearing his throat, visibly shaken by the dramatic end to his friends’ marriage. “The law states that Olivia is entitled to a portion of your fortune, plus compensation for the divorce since you filed for it and were unfaithful,” he accused, unflinching, clearly upset with his friend’s behavior.

Alexander sighed but nodded. “Fine, she can have whatever she wants. The important thing is that I can now be happy with the woman I love and have always loved.” He gave Vanessa an affectionate look. I averted my eyes to avoid witnessing their display of affection, which struck me like a knife to the chest. My heart was so shattered that I’d never be the same again.

“I don’t want anything. I don’t want money, property, or his fortune,” I declared, responding to Nathan and looking at Alexander. “I don’t want anything from you.” I wanted my words to carry all the pain and anguish I felt.

“Hold on, Olivia, you might be saying this because of the pain,” Nathan said, now genuinely concerned. “You don’t understand—this fortune is your right. You need to accept it. Giving it up makes no sense. You’ve dedicated three years to this marriage and have no savings or anything. Accept the money that’s rightfully yours.”

“Please, my friend, think it over,” Grace also pleaded, so sad she was on the verge of tears.

“Why are you both so insistent? If she doesn’t want it, let her decide,” Vanessa interjected, silencing Nathan and Grace.

“Don’t you think you should stay quiet now, Vanessa?” Grace shot back, outraged by her audacity. “Have some decency, for God’s sake!”

“It’s okay, Grace, I’ll be fine. I’ll manage,” I said, offering a smile to reassure them. Ignoring Vanessa, I faced Alexander. “I didn’t marry you for your money, Alexander. I never had ulterior motives in our marriage. That’s why I’d rather leave with nothing.” My voice was firm, and for a moment, Alexander seemed taken aback, at a loss for words.

As a billionaire, he likely expected me to file a lawsuit to claim a significant portion of his fortune. My response caught him off guard.

“Well, if she doesn’t want the money, there’s no point in insisting, right?” Vanessa said, now in a joking tone. “Besides, that leaves more for us to spend, my love.” She laughed, clinging to Alexander’s arm.

“Look, Alexander, be a man and convince her to take the money!” Nathan nearly shouted, exasperated.

Alexander just shrugged. “There’s nothing I can do if she doesn’t want it.” He walked away, holding the divorce papers in one hand and his new fiancée’s hand in the other.

“This mansion is so beautiful, love,” I heard Vanessa say as they climbed the stairs. “We’re going to be so happy here, but I think I’ll change this tacky décor, haha.”

Hearing her mock the mansion’s décor, which I had planned with so much care, broke my heart in two. I realized everything was over, and all I had built over these years would now exist only in my memories.

“What a disgrace, honestly!” Grace muttered as we watched Alexander and Vanessa ascend the stairs.

Even knowing it was the last time he’d see me, Alexander didn’t even glance back, acting as if he were finally free of me. That hurt more than anything. I had practically given my life to this man, but today he turned his back on me and left with another woman. My heart was, without exaggeration, wounded and resentful.

“He’s my friend, but I’m completely disappointed in him,” Nathan said, visibly embarrassed.

I wiped my tears, took a shaky breath, and picked up my suitcase, leaving the house with the intention of never returning.

“Ma’am…” I heard a hesitant voice call out as I stepped outside, and then I saw the entire household staff waiting for me. They were as mournful as if it were a funeral. My heart nearly stopped. The team of housekeepers had been with me since the day I moved into this place. You can imagine how much they’d miss me and how much it hurt them to see me go.

“Hi, everyone,” I said, going to hug each one to say goodbye.

“We’ll miss you so much…” they said. “This is so unfair; this house will never shine like it did when you were here.” They liked me because I was always humble and treated them with respect.

“I hope you all will be okay. I have to go now,” I said, smiling to comfort them, and walked to my friends’ car, where I broke down in tears again. I didn’t want to leave that place and all the relationships I’d built over time.

Nathan was driving, and Grace was in the back seat, offering emotional support. I looked out the window one last time at the mansion that had been my home for so many years. It felt like half of me was staying behind, and I ended up crying again.

“You were strong, Olivia, you were incredible,” Grace praised, giving me strength.

“And now? What are you going to do?” Nathan asked, glancing at me through the rearview mirror. He was still deeply worried.

And with good reason. I had no money or job. Since graduating college, I’d lived to please my husband and make him happy, dedicating myself entirely to him. Alexander Vaughn had been the center of my life for the past five years. Now that he was gone, I was lost, like a boat adrift in the ocean.

I sighed, resting my head against the car window and shaking my head. “I simply don’t know what will become of me from now on.”