The "perfect" deal: Trapped between two loves

The opulent mansion's hall was shrouded in heavy silence when the former Formula 1 racer, now a magnate and owner of his own team, Levi Ledger, entered with determination. His wife, Victoria Sutherland, awaited him with a friendly smile, but her eyes betrayed a slight unease upon noticing the seriousness in her husband's countenance. Although he was always so serious, there had been a rumor circulating around the mansion for the past two weeks, when Levi, without saying anything, disappeared for a couple of weeks and nobody knew where he went. Levi stopped in front of her, his expression imperturbable, as if he were about to deliver devastating news. Victoria watched him with anticipation, unprepared for what was to come. "Victoria," Levi began, his voice resonating in the spacious hall, "I need to talk to you." His words filled the room, laden with a gravity that left Victoria petrified in her place. Without giving her time to react, Levi continued with a firm voice: "I've made a decision, one that I know will be hard for you to understand." Victoria looked at him incredulously, desperately searching for any hint that this was just a cruel joke. "What... what decision?" she finally stuttered, her voice barely a whisper. Perhaps he had deceived her and had run away with someone else. Maybe... now he wanted to marry her. Levi took a deep breath before responding, his eyes avoiding his wife's. "I've decided that our relationship has come to an end. I want you to leave". Victoria felt as if the world were crumbling around her. "What are you saying, Levi? Why? It makes no sense!" she exclaimed, struggling to contain the sudden fury she felt. While their marriage hadn't exactly been for love, there was respect, and this past year there had been more than that. They had reached a level of physical intimacy that they didn't have when they were newlyweds. But now, for a reason he refused to say on his own, and she was sure he wouldn't say, he was kicking her out of the house. The house they both shared. Levi remained undisturbed, his words sharp as sharpened blades. "You don't need to know the reason. I simply no longer want to be with you." There was that womanizing racer she had been forced to marry when she turned twenty-one. That one with a reputation that left much to be desired. Victoria clung to a glimmer of hope, desperately searching for an explanation that justified the humiliation she was feeling. But Levi remained firm in his decision, leaving Victoria in a sea of confusion and anguish as he walked away, leaving her behind in a mansion that no longer felt like her home. *** VICTORIA POV’S I sit at my desk, my heart filled with pain and confusion. The idea of leaving my home, my life, everything I know, is overwhelming, but I know I need space to heal and find answers to the questions that torment me. We hadn't married for love, rather because of the relationship our parents had had for years before. And although she was an equestrian on the equestrian circuit and he, at that time, was a Formula 1 racer, it seemed like a good idea to unite them in marriage. Despite not being interested in getting married, we both made a deal in which we promised that maintaining s****l relationships was not necessary. And it was, until I started to see him differently. It was obvious that I was falling for him, and soon, I didn't like the idea of being in his arms so much, so I broke that deal that had put a wall between us. Until a few months ago, everything was fine, until Levi's best friend and a former rival on the track, Ezra Wellington, visited him. Since then, he changed completely, to the point that he never slept in the house we shared again. Or we shared. With trembling hands, I take a sheet of paper and a pen, and I begin to write a letter to my parents. I tell them about Levi's sudden decision to end our marriage and how I felt lost and hurt, but even more humiliated. I tell them that I need time alone to reflect and heal, and that I have decided to leave the country in search of peace and clarity. After sealing the letter with a kiss, I stand up with determination and leave that office behind. In my room, I pack some clothes in a small suitcase and leave the letter on the bed. I look around the room, feeling a mixture of sadness and relief as I realize that I am leaving behind a life that had been imposed on me. With determined steps, I leave the mansion in silence, making sure not to be seen by Levi or any other staff member. I head to the airport, my heart pounding in my chest, but also with the determination to find my own path to happiness. I send a quick message to Nancy , a fellow competitor on the circuit, which is not answered by text, but with a call. "Tell me it's not true." "I'm sorry, but it is. I have already signed the divorce." "And what about all the shares of the company that belong to you? What about your share of the money? And the mansion?" "I don't care about any of that." "Eh? Wait, I think I heard wrong." Nancy walks away from the phone and I can hear her curse loudly. When she returns to the phone, I can't help but let out a small nervous laugh. She's scary when she's angry. "Now, why haven't you asked for anything? Did he refuse to give you anything? That son of..." "No, I have left a letter to my parents explaining everything and asking them to tell the lawyer on my behalf that I don't want a penny from Levi." "And why is that?" I let out a loud sigh. "I'm leaving the country. I grew up competing on the American circuit, but I think it's time to move to the European one. I don't earn much, but I have enough to support myself until the next season." "And your horse?" "He's coming with me." "Moving him costs an arm and a leg. At least ask Levi to do it for you." I shake my head, although I know she can't see me. "I don't want to see him ever again." Nancy notices my broken voice, so she doesn't say anything more about it. Seconds later she speaks again. "I'm going with you." "No, are you crazy? Here is your world." "No," she denies. "Here is my mother who divorces and remarries every six months, my seven stepfathers and you, but you're leaving, so my horses and I are going with you." I smile. "Are you really leaving everything behind for me?" "Yes, of course. It's not like we're best friends, but we can be in a few months." I laugh. Nancy Quintilian is special and unique. "My flight leaves in an hour." "And I'll be there in fifteen minutes." After demanding that I not leave without her, Nancy hangs up, leaving me alone with my thoughts. From now on, I will strive to do whatever I want with my life. I will live to the fullest and compete until exhaustion. I no longer have an anchor in my life. Levi is no longer here.