My Ex–Husband Regrets Letting Me Go

Aria’s POV “Sign it.” His voice was calm and the two words fell between us like a final judgment. I then looked at the papers on the table, my name was printed beside his and his signature was already there, it was strong and steady and there was no hesitation. My fingers then trembled above the pen. “Adrian…” My voice sounded small even to me. “Is this necessary?” He leaned back in his chair and his face showed nothing. “The contract ends today,” he said. “We agreed from the start.” Yes. We did. Three years of marriage. Then we walk away. It was simple on paper. But nothing felt simple now but I swallowed. “You could have told me earlier.” “I am telling you now.” His words cut more than if he shouted and then I looked at him, and searched for something, a crack, a pause, anything at all. Last week, I had a fever and he came home before midnight, he touched my forehead and frowned. “You never take care of yourself,” he said. He told his assistant to bring my medicine and he stayed in my room until I slept. During the last storm, when thunder shook the windows, I found him sitting beside me. “You’re scared,” he said. “I’m not,” I lied. He did not leave. When I held my first small art exhibition, I thought he would not come, he hated crowded places, but he stood at the back, watching. Afterward he said, “The blue painting. I’ll buy it.” I laughed. “You don’t even like blue.” He answered, “I like what you paint.” I then held those memories in my chest like something alive and now he sat across from me like a stranger. “Why now?” I asked and he looked at me but his eyes did not move. “Vivian is back.” The room then went silent and I heard the ticking of the clock on the wall. Vivian. His first love. The woman everyone said he would marry. “She came back yesterday,” he continued. “This marriage was never meant to last.” My lips parted, but no sound came out, never meant to last. Then what were the past three years? I forced myself to smile. “So I was just filling space?” He did not answer and that silence told me more than words. This morning, I overheard two maids whispering in the kitchen. “Mr. Cole always prepared medicine for Miss Vivian too.” “Yes. She has stomach problems.” “And he hates sweet food, but he eats it because she likes it.” I stood there, holding a glass of water, unable to move. The medicine. The food. The care. They were never mine. I was just standing where she once stood. I then looked at Adrian again. “When you brought me medicine… was that for me?” He then frowned. “What kind of question is that?” “Just answer me.” He exhaled slowly. “I don’t repeat myself, Aria. Sign the papers.” My chest was tight, so it was true. Everything I believed was love was only habit, only memory and only her shadow. Then I lowered my eyes to the papers, I should sign, that was the deal. The orphanage needed money and his grandfather wanted him married, so we both got what we wanted. I told myself this was normal, then why did it hurt like this? I pressed my palm against my stomach without thinking. My period was late. Five days. I bought a test yesterday but I did not use it, I wanted to wait and I wanted to tell him with a smile. I almost laughed at myself. How foolish. “Adrian,” I whispered and he looked at me and for a second, I saw something flickered in his eyes, or maybe I imagined it. “There’s something I need to tell you.” Then his phone rang and he glanced at the screen. Vivian. He stood up at once. “I’ll take this.” He then walked to the window and answered it. “Yes.” His voice changed and it became gentler. “I know. Don’t worry.” He turned his back to me. “I’ll handle it.” Handle it? Am I the thing he needs to handle? He then ended the call and walked back. She’s coming here,” he said and my heart dropped. “Here?” “Yes.” Before I could speak again, the door opened and she walked in like she owned the place. She had a long hair, red dress and high heels that clicked against the floor. Vivian Laurent. She stopped when she saw me. “Oh,” she said lightly. “You’re still here.” Still here? Like I was a guest who forgot to leave and Adrian did not introduce us. Vivian then stepped closer to him and her hand brushed his sleeve. “I hope I’m not interrupting,” she said, smiling at me. “No,” he replied. “We’re done.” Done? The word echoed in my ears and then Vivian tilted her head. “I heard about the contract. Three years, right? You did well.” Did well? Like I just completed a task. Then I gripped the pen harder and Vivian looked at the papers on the table. “Are those the divorce papers?” “Yes,” Adrian answered and she smiled wider. “That was fast.” I stood up. “You don’t have to rush him.” She then looked at me with surprise. “Rush? I waited three years.” Her eyes scanned me from head to toe. “You must have known this day would come.” I couldn’t breathe and Adrian finally spoke. “Aria.” Just my name, a warning or a goodbye. I then looked at him one last time. “If I sign,” I asked, “will you regret it?” His jaw tightened. “This is better for everyone.” That was not an answer but it was enough and I sat down and then my hand shook as I wrote my name. A-R-I-A. Each letter felt like I was cutting something inside me and when I finished, I pushed the papers toward him. “It’s done.” Vivian let out a small laugh. “That was easier than I thought.” I just stood up. “I’ll pack my things.” “There is no need,” Adrian said. “The staff will handle it.” Of course, why would I think he would want me to touch anything? I walked past them and as I reached the door, I heard Vivian’s voice behind me. “Adrian, you always said marriage is a responsibility. I’m glad you’re free now.” Free? So I was a burden. I opened the door and stepped outside, the sky was dark and rain started falling. At first, it was light and then heavier and within seconds, I was soaked and I walked down the driveway. I did not look back, but I felt it, his eyes were on me and I wanted him to call my name, even if it was just once but he didn’t . My head felt dizzy and my chest hurt, the rain mixed with the tears on my face and I reached the gate. My vision turned blurry and I pressed my hand against my stomach again. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, not sure to whom. The world spinned and my knees gave way, as I fell, I lifted my eyes one last time. Through the rain, I saw him standing at the door, watching and he was not moving toward me and then everything went dark.