The Mistress Who Took Everything

ch6: Asking for a divorce

Alina’s fingers tightened against the doorframe. “I’ll read to you,” she said, trying to step in.

But Lily shook her head. “No… I want Serena to tell it.”

Alina stood frozen, unable to move or speak. For a moment, she felt paralyzed. Damian’s voice came from behind her. “Let her.”

She hadn’t even noticed him come in. Alina turned slightly, seeing him standing there. “She’s just asking to be read a story,” he added. "It's not a big deal."

Alina looked back at Lily. “…okay,” Alina said, barely above a whisper.

Then she stepped back, leaving the room. The door closed quietly behind her. She stood still in the hallway, her eyes lost in thought.

Inside, she could hear Serena’s voice telling a story, and Lily laughing. Damian stepped beside her, looked at her for a while without saying a word, then left. Alina watched him walking away.

Inside the room, Lily’s laughter bubbled on, light and happy.

The sun peeked over the horizon, the house stirred to life and life went on.

Alina stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her blouse. She gathered up her hair, tying it back neatly.

She stepped out of the room, but unmistakably the dining table was already set for breakfast. Damian sat at his usual spot, reading something on his tablet. Serena stood nearby, pouring juice while Lily sat next to her humming quietly. Alina walked to her seat and sat down.

“Good morning,” she said. Lily glanced at her briefly. “Morning.” Then looked back at Serena.

“Good morning, Alina.” Serena said with a smile. Alina met her eyes for a second and then looked away.

“Lily,” Alina said calmly, “you’ll finish your reading after breakfast.” Lily nodded.

Serena tilted her head slightly, watching the exchange. Damian remained focused on his tablet.

Halfway through breakfast, Alina set her fork down, the soft clink drawing attention. “I want to discuss something with you,” she announced.

Damian finally looked up. “What is it?”

She didn’t look at Serena, didn't acknowledge her presence. “This arrangement,” she said, “I don't think is working.”

“She's staying.” Damian said flatly. "I’m not asking for your permission, I make the rules here and she ain't going anywhere.”

Alina nodded once. “I expected that answer."

Damian frowned slightly. The room stilled. Serena’s hand paused mid-air. Lily looked up.

"What do you mean?” Damian asked.

Alina reached for her cup and took a small sip. “I want a divorce."

Lily froze in place, while Serena remained still. Damian stared at her as if he hadn’t heard correctly. “…what?”

Alina placed the cup down. “You heard me.” Alina tilted her head slightly. “You made your decision when you brought her here.” Her gaze flickered toward Serena then back. “I’m making mine now.”

Lily’s voice broke in, small and uncertain. “Mom! Are you… leaving?”

Alina turned to her. “No,” she said gently. “I’m not leaving you.”

Lily frowned. “Then why..”

“We’ll talk later,” Alina interrupted, her voice soft but final.

Damian pushed his chair back slightly. “You’re overreacting again.”

Alina didn’t even flinch this time. “No,” she replied. “I’ve just stopped waiting.”

That caught him off guard. He went still. “What does that mean?”

Alina met his eyes. “It means I’m no longer expecting anything from you." Then she added. “That includes respect, loyalty or even basic boundaries.”

Serena shifted slightly feeling uncomfortable now.

“You don’t mean this,” Damian said.

Alina almost smiled. “I do.”

He studied her as seeing her for the first time. “You’re serious,” he said.

"Yes” she replied softly. “I’m done.” Alina stood and walk away leaving everyone shocked.

Later that day, Alina stood in the study, a file laid open in front of her: Documents, names and numbers all prepared. She flipped through them every page, every step mapped out. A knock came at the door. She didn’t look up. “Come in.”

Damian walked in, closing the door behind him. “What is this?” he asked.

Alina finally looked up. “Divorce papers.”

“You already prepared them?” Damian stepped closer. “You think you can just walk away?”

Alina held his gaze. “I’m not asking for your permission to walk away. I’m choosing to.”

His jaw tightened. “You won’t take Lily.”

There it was. The real issue.

Alina’s eyes didn’t waver. “Then we’ll settle that legally.”

Damian exhaled slowly. “You’re making a mistake.”

Alina tilted her head slightly. “Am I?”

“Oh yes and you’ll regret this.”

A faint smile touched her lips. “No, I won't” she said quietly. “You know what I regret most, huh, do you want to know. I regret staying.”

Damian stared at her. But this round, he didn’t have an answer and Alina didn't need one.