Karen POV

Who’s that guy from last night? I called you like ten times and you didn’t pick up" Gracias queried, her probing dark eyes fixed on me.

"He’s the owner of the hotel. He just ask me a few question," I replied sharply. "And I needed some time alone to cool off."

My cheeks flushed with shame. I couldn't admit I slept with a man I barely knew. Not when part of me still felt married to Noel.

"The way he held you, I thought you two knew each other," she said in disbelief.

"I don’t know him from anywhere" I said firmly. The images from last night flashed behind my eyes. His hands , his mouth the way he made my body come alive in ways Noel never tried to.

A soft knock came at the door. Thank God I sighed, knowing my sister wouldn't stop being inquisitive.

"I’ll get that," Gracias said and walked to the door. She returned moments later, her face somber.

"I gave them my address to drop your luggage. The attorney’s here."

I stood up and stumbled toward the door. A bald man in his late forties stood there—Mr. Logan Noel’s family attorney.

"Karen, how’s everything?" he stuttered. The air between us felt thick with tension.

. He was trying to sound friendly and I'm not having any of that.

"Where are the divorce papers?" I cut in, ignoring his pleasantries. We used to be cool, but right now, he was part of the enemy camp. Anybody associated with Noel wasn’t any different.

He digged through his suitcase and brought out the papers. I snatched the paper and pen from him and scribbled my signature.

"Here," I said, handing them back.

"You’re liable to receive your compensation, but only if you—"

"Mr. Logan, I want nothing from them. We’re done here." I said, trying to held myself together.

"Karen, I just need you to cooperate—"

"Logan, ," I cut him off again. we have nothing to discuss. Please leave."

He looked surprised by my hostility, but he said nothing. He gathered the rest of the papers, walked to his car, and drove off.

I stormed back into the house and dumped everything on the ground . Everything that remind me of him

The dinner gown I wore on our first date, our couple’s photo frame, the gift cards we exchanged—I set them all ablaze. My tears blurred my vision as the fire crackled. I sat beside the flames and watched the black smoke curl into the sky.

I wished my pain could dissolve into the air like that smoke. Rage consumed me as I remembered how I gave up everything for him—my dreams, my business, my education. Everything.

"Come here," Gracias said, embracing me and patting my back lightly.

"It’s okay. Give it time," she whispered, ruffling my hair affectionately.

" Have you thought about going back to manage the family company?" she asked.

I stared at her, my vision still cloudy. "I haven’t thought about it. Besides, I feel like a failure.", I admitted, all I want is to run away from all these.

"Karen, you’re so good at it. You should consider it."

"But —"

"My darling," a calm, familiar voice interrupted.

"Mom! How did you get here?"

My father coughed discreetly, marching in behind her. I rushed towards her and buried myself in her embrace and cried like a baby.

"It's okay baby", my mom cooed affectionately.

"I’m so sorry, honey. We pushed you into this marriage. Please forgive me," my mom whispered, rubbing my back gently.

I pulled away from her and wiped my tears.

"Mom, Dad—I’m moving to Hong Kong. I’m going to start a new life and pick the piece of myself back together." I blurted out.

My father straigtened, disapproval written all over him.

"Karen, "I don't think that's wise . You can return to the family business. We will support—"

"Dad, i cut in my voice slightly shaking but determined

"You don’t get to decide for me anymore ," I saw the hurt in his eyes, but my decision is final. I won't let them dictate to me how to live my life again.

"Hong Kong?" Mom asked softly , you don't know anyone there, how will you cope? think this through sweetheart" my mom said , her voice tinged with worry.

" You know this company inside out . There’s no life for you in Hong Kong. The Demarco's Empire is where you belong," Gracias chirped in.

"Well, I have already made my decision ," I snapped, fed up with everyone being nosy about my life. They know I'm needed in my family business why do they made me the sacrificial lamb for their greediness.

I hated to admit it, but I wanted to be far away from anything that reminded me of them, my family, from Noel's betrayal and my best friend backstabbing, my messy online reputation. I desperately needed a distance from my painful memories . The worst thing I could imagine was bumping into Noel and Sarah acting all lovey-dovey. My heart couldn’t take it. And I knew it was inevitable if I stayed.

"Why are you running? Why are you hiding ?" Gracias asked, stepping closer. I hated this part of her—the way she saw right through my fears.

"They betrayed your trust. They hurt you. Yet you’re the one covering your face in shame!" Gracias bellowed.

"The shame should be theirs!

"I’m sick and tired of all of you acting like you know what’s best for me!" I retorted back in anger.

"Gracias, please excuse us," my mom said sternly.

Mom , I'm just trying to...

"Gracias", Mom interrupted her , raising her voice slightly.

"Fine", Gracias said and reluctantly left the room.

"My darling..." my mother began gently, his worried brown eyes fixed on me, his arms wrapped around my shoulder.

"I’ve made up my mind. I’m not a clueless teenager. Neither am I Karen that naively married Noel four years ago. I will go ahead and pack few things, I’m leaving tomorrow," I said firmly, despite their disapproving looks.

"Karen you know_" my father started.

"Albert," my mother interrupted him softly. Her look made him pause.

"Okay, Karen. We support your decision," My mother said, hugging me tightly.

"If you need time to heal, take all the time you need."

"I have an idea," Gracias interrupted sauntering into the sitting room, I know she has been eavesdropping all along.

"Gracias, this is not the right time," Mom scolded. Her eyes fixed on her, urging her to act right.

"Mom, not like I'm shoving it down her throat. Besides, Karen’s not a pushover. She’s an adult and can decide for herself."

"Okay, what's the plan?.", my mother asked , with arched eyebrows.

"No. It’ll be our little secret," Gracias said, a sly smile crept unto her face.

“Gracias, I think your sister’s decision should be respected. Let’s not prolong this matter,” Mom chides, her tone leaving no room for argument.

“Okay, Mom. I’ve heard you,” Gracias replied with a mock bow. “I won’t tamper with your precious princess. Besides, it was just a suggestion,” she added, sarcastically.

“Rene,” Dad called mom, glancing at his watch, “it’s almost time.”

He turned to us. “Gracias, Karen—we only stopped by on our way to our colleague’s launch party. We have to leave.”

Then to me, more gently, “Karen, I believe this should be discussed before you go.”

“Okay, Dad,” I said with a small nod.

I hugged and kissed them goodbye before they stepped out.

As soon as the door shut, I turned to Gracias. “What idea is more important than my mental health

“First of all” she said, walking toward the wine bar with a mischievous glint in her eye, “a toast must be made to my brilliant idea.”

She grabbed a bottle of wine, two champagne glasses, and handed one to me. The cork was popped with a soft pop, and our glasses were filled generously.

“A toast,” she said, raising her glass, a slow smile playing on her lips.

“To what?” I asked, already suspicious.