Chapter 4

Cora POV

I arrived at my parents’ house and stepped out of the cab. After paying the driver, I headed inside, knowing I wasn’t exactly welcome. But I needed a place to stay for the night before I could move forward with my plans.

As I entered, my parents’ disapproving gazes met mine. “What are you doing here?” my mother demanded, her tone icy.

“I’m here to spend the night,” I replied, my voice firm.

Sloane, my sister, spoke up, a sly smile spreading across her face. “So it’s true?” she asked, trying to sound innocent.

“What’s true?” I asked, glaring at her, my eyes narrowing.

“I mean, it’s true you asked Aston for a divorce?” she pressed on, her smile faltering for a moment before she recovered.

I laughed, a bitter sound. “Shouldn’t you be happy about that?” I shot back, my eyes flashing with anger.

My dad intervened, his voice stern. “Why should she be happy when you’re divorcing your husband? Do you want to ruin my reputation?” he asked, his face red with indignation.

“She should be happy because she never wanted me to be happy,” I replied, my voice confident and firm. “All she wants is for me to live in pain and agony.”

My mother’s face turned red with rage. “What’s come over you, Cora? How dare you talk to your father like that?” she shouted.

“Did I say something wrong?” I shot back, my voice rising despite my efforts to remain calm. Why are they causing drama? They’re the ones who’ve treated me poorly for years. If they’ve had supported me, I wouldn’t be in this situation. I would have become a great doctor, but I had to rush into marrying Aston without completing my residency just to escape the pain they caused me. And now, I won’t let them treat me that way, not after I’ve been given a second chance.

I took a deep breath, my eyes locked on my parents. “I don’t want the marriage anymore, is that a problem?” I asked, my voice firm.

“Yes, it’s a problem,” my mother replied, her voice cold. “You’re not welcome back in this house. Once married, always married. No going back to being single.”

My mother’s tone turned sarcastic. “Gosh, how do you expect me to tell everyone my daughter got divorced, just after three years of marriage? The shame!”

“What difference does it make if he was the one who divorced me?” I asked, my frustration growing.

Sloane chimed in, “It could have been different. At least people would know it was your husband who didn’t want you anymore.”

I scoffed at her. “What if I say, ‘Let that be your portion’?” I asked, my voice laced with sarcasm.

My dad thundered, “How dare you curse my daughter? How could you say such a thing to her?”

I kept my tone down, but my words were firm. “I know she’s your princess, but there’s no need to make it a big deal. I’ve heard it for twenty years, and it’s getting boring. Stop it now.”

“Did I give birth to you? Oh my god, I should have cursed the day I gave birth to you. You’re not a child, you’re a demon!” my mother exclaimed, her anger boiling over.

“Even without you cursing the day you gave birth to me, I’d be happy to curse the day I chose you to be my parents,” I retorted, my voice firm. “Enough of this drama.”

I turned to leave, but my mother grabbed me, her hand raised to slap me. I dodged the slap and stood my ground.

“I know you all really want to throw me out for good. I know you dislike seeing my face. That’s why none of my pictures are around the house. I know I wasn’t a part of your family. But why don’t you just let’s make peace tonight, and then I can peacefully leave your life tomorrow morning, never to see you again? Even if we meet, we should snub each other, without asking for each other’s help,” I said confidently, my eyes locked on hers.

I took a deep breath, my voice steady. “Let’s end this toxic cycle. I deserve better”

“You must be really full of yourself to think I’d ever need your help in the future,” my mother sneered. “There’s nothing you can offer, and I’m sure you’ll come back pleading on your knees.”

I laughed, a mix of sadness and liberation. “Yes, there’s nothing I can offer you,” I acknowledged. “So why don’t we call it a truce? Or maybe I used the wrong word… why don’t we just say goodbye in peace, never to see each other again?”

My voice was firm, but my eyes stung with tears. I was finally setting boundaries, finally standing up for myself. “Goodbye, Mother. Goodbye, Father. I wish you both the best. Does that goes well” I asked, they were just glaring at me still very shocked. I am excited that I am starting to shock my enemies.

The next day, I arrived at Aston’s place, and he was waiting for me in the living room, his face twisted in anger. But I didn’t care. As soon as I stepped inside, he stood up, his eyes blazing.

“What makes you think you can divorce me?” he demanded. “I’ve never been dumped in my life before.”

I stared at him, and then burst out laughing. “Then I’m happy to be the first,” I said, licking my lower lip.

“Have you signed the divorce papers?” I asked, my tone firm. “I’ve already informed my lawyer, and he said the police will be here if you refuse.”

I held out my hand, expecting him to hand over the signed papers. My heart was racing, but I was determined to see this through. I was taking back control of my life, and I wouldn’t let anyone stand in my way.

“Wow, I never thought it would be this easy to get you to sign them,” I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Anyway, I’m better off being single. You can go find your trophy wife now, or continue with your secret lover.”

I turned and walked away, going to collect my bags. I didn’t have much, just two small suitcases. I walked back into the living room, and Aston was still standing in the same spot, looking stunned.

I flashed him a wicked smile as I dragged my bags out, feeling a sense of confidence and liberation. I didn’t know where I was headed, but I knew I had to leave this city and start fresh.

“I’m out of here,” I said, not looking back. “Goodbye, Aston. Bad luck finding what you’re looking for.”

And with that, I walked out of the door, closing the chapter on that toxic relationship and stepping into the unknown.