CHAPTER4
961 Words
Ariella’s POV
The morning light poured into Ethan’s penthouse like melted gold, but I felt none of its warmth.
I lay there in his bed, his sheets tangled around my bare legs, his arm thrown carelessly across my waist as if he could protect me from the truth I’d already seen.
But nothing—not even Ethan’s gentle touches or the way he whispered my name like a prayer—could undo the images seared into my memory.
Chloe’s laughter.
Mia’s smirk.
Daniel’s moans.
I stared at the ceiling, the silence around me no longer empty. It was filled with memories I didn’t want to remember.
Guilt clawed at the edges of my chest. What had I done?
But even as it pressed down on me, I reminded myself:
He broke us first and he betrayed me.
While I was lying unconscious, trying to heal, he was shoving my best friend and our maid into the sheets we once shared.
I slipped out of bed, my body sore, my heart heavier.
Ethan stirred, but didn’t wake. I paused to look at him—his lashes against his cheek, his jaw tense even in sleep.
He made me feel something last night. Safe and Wanted.
But this wasn’t the start of something new.
Not yet.
I grabbed a pen from his desk and scribbled on a notepad.
“Thank you….For seeing me. For reminding me I’m not invisible. –A.”
I folded it, placed it on the nightstand, and left.
*************
The flight back to Miami was a blur.
I sat by the window, watching the clouds drift past, my reflection staring back like a stranger. I wanted to cry but had nothing left to give. My emotions were scraped raw, nothing but bruises and empty space.
The moment I stepped into our condo, the scent hit me—his cologne, sharp and familiar. My throat closed.
And then I saw it.
His suitcase, by the door. Like he couldn’t wait to leave.
And on the kitchen counter—a brown envelope.
I hadn’t even stepped fully inside before betrayal slapped me again.
I walked in slowly, dragging my feet like they carried the weight of a thousand heartbreaks.
The sound of his footsteps on the stairs made my skin crawl. I turned to see him coming down, freshly showered, hair wet, lips chapped. Not a hint of regret in his face.
He looked me in the eyes and didn’t say a word.
Instead, he raised his hands and signed.
“Welcome back, Ari.”
“Thanks baby.” I signed back with so much hatred in me.
“Well, I have something important to tell you.” He signed while looking and trying to reach out for the envelope on the counter.
“The truth is…..I’m done pretending to love a deaf and mute woman.”
“I want a divorce.”
I flinched. The words felt like gunshots.
He wasn’t even angry. Just… indifferent.
Like I was a mistake he’d finally found the courage to discard.
His hands moved again, sharp and heartless.
“I was never attracted to you in the first place, few years ago, a man paid off my debt. His condition was that I marry you so I had no choice than to.”
It felt like the floor vanished beneath me.
My knees wobbled, but I didn’t fall.
I wouldn’t give him that.
My marriage had been a transaction.
A f*****g bargain.
I swallowed the scream clawing up my throat.
I signed shakily, “Who was he?”
But he didn’t answer. Didn’t care.
The envelope waited, thick and final.
My hand trembled as I opened it.
Divorce papers.
Neat,Cold and Legal.
I stared at them for a long time.
Tears burned my cheeks, but I didn’t wipe them away.
He never loved me.
He never even wanted me.
I picked up the pen.
My chest was burning. My fingers were shaking but I signed the papers.
Then I met his eyes, forcing every ounce of pain, dignity, and truth into my hands.
“I was expecting this all along.” I signed angrily.
He blinked, stunned.
For a second, his expression faltered. He opened his mouth like he wanted to say something—but nothing came out.
He picked up his suitcase and walked to the door.
And then he paused, he looked back at me as his eyes searched mine.
Like he was expecting me to cry harder. To fall at his feet. To beg him to stay.
But I just stood there, silent, unmoved and unbothered about him leaving.
And that’s what scared him most.
He left without another word.
And the moment the door closed behind him—I finally let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding for years.
I stared at the papers.
Then walked to the balcony, letting the sunlight hit my skin. I hadn’t even changed out of last night’s clothes.
Still smelled like tequila. Still a little sore from Ethan’s touch.
I pulled out my phone and dialed.
“Ethan?” My voice was low, hoarse, still raw.
“Ariella? Where are you?”
“I’m at home,” I whispered. “Daniel gave me the divorce papers the moment I walked in.”
He went silent on the other end.
Then, carefully, “What… what did you do?”
I exhaled. My voice steadier now. Stronger.
“I signed them. No hesitation. No tears. Just signed.”
I paused then I let out a deep sigh.
“God…” Ethan murmured. “I wish I could hold you right now.”
I didn’t respond.
Maybe because I wished that too.
But I needed space. I needed to breathe on my own again.
- Writer
