PROLOGUE
1827 Words
I was ready to sign the annulment papers that Ezeckiel gave me.
I stood up and took a folder containing the contract that would officially nullify our marriage. As I held the folder in my hands, tears began to fall uncontrollably from my eyes. I couldn’t do it. I loved Ezeckiel so much—he was the only man I ever truly loved in my life. He was the only man who changed me into someone better.
Yes, I’ll admit it—I wasn’t a good woman in the past. But I know in my heart that I’m a decent person. I could never do the things they’re accusing me of.
Tears streamed down my cheeks again. The pain was unbearable, and before I realized it, I had crumpled the folder I was holding. Drops of my tears stained the paper inside.
I’m ready to let you go, Ezeckiel—if that’s the only thing that will make you happy.
I won’t beg you to believe in me anymore.
I’m doing this because I love you, and I don’t want your image to be ruined because of me. Soon, you and Eloisa will finally be free to be together. I know it’s painful for me to accept, but what else can I do if you no longer want me?
I got up from the bed to fix myself. When I looked in the mirror, I saw how puffy my eyes were. I looked so different from the lively woman I used to be.
I went into the bathroom and soaked in the bathtub for hours. Afterward, I put on a bathrobe that was hanging nearby.
As I got dressed, I felt my chest tightening with anxiety. Every minute felt rushed—I needed to go see Ezeckiel at his penthouse, where we agreed to meet so I could hand him the annulment papers, which I hadn’t signed yet.
I wore simple clothes, put on light makeup, and wore shades to hide my swollen eyes.
I was about to leave my rented condo. My heart felt heavy as I drove the car I worked hard to buy. I stopped by my best friend’s restaurant to eat, since I hadn’t eaten anything and had been skipping meals too often lately.
As soon as I arrived, I saw my best friend, who immediately approached me.
“Oh bestie, I’m glad you dropped by. Are you okay now?” she asked with concern.
I gave her a bitter smile.
“I’m not okay, bestie. But I’ll endure this for myself. I know in my heart that I am a good person,” I said sadly.
“I know that, best. You haven’t done anything wrong. It’s the people who envy you that are trying to ruin your name. I’m always here for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything, okay?” she said reassuringly.
“Thank you, best. But I think I can handle this,” I said with a weak smile.
“Okay then. I’ll leave you for a while. I have some things to fix in my office,” she said as she excused herself.
Right after she left, my food arrived and was laid out one by one on the table. I immediately started eating. I didn’t care if I looked like I hadn’t eaten in days—even if some people were staring. I was starving, and they couldn’t do anything about that.
I finally finished everything I ordered, and I let out a loud burp—drawing glances from the people around me. I also suddenly felt the urge to release something else while seated and… it came out loud.
Oh my god, Celestine—how embarrassing. You should’ve held it in! I scolded myself silently.
I overheard some people at the next table whispering about how shameless someone was for farting.
Ugh, it wasn’t even intentional—it just exploded out. I cradled my forehead, utterly humiliated.
I decided to leave without even saying goodbye to my best friend. I needed to get to my husband’s penthouse right away.
I kept walking until I reached my parked car.
It was exactly 5:00 PM. I was now headed to the place where my husband lived. I still hadn’t signed the annulment papers his lawyer gave me.
I wanted to personally hand it to him—and for one last request...
I wanted us to finally be together—just once—since our honeymoon never happened.
At exactly 6:30 PM, I arrived at his penthouse.
I was beyond nervous, knowing I would see my husband again—especially after what happened at the hotel...
when he was with Eloisa.
I was about to knock when the door suddenly opened.
I froze the moment I saw his face. I wanted to smile—but I couldn’t. I wanted to run into his arms—but I was afraid. He looked so different now. The cheerful Ezeckiel I once knew was gone, replaced by a cold and distant version of the man I loved.
I used to be so proud of him. He respected me deeply before. We never even went beyond kisses—he insisted we wait until marriage. He had been so excited for our honeymoon, but it never happened because I received a call from the agency where I had applied for work.
I flinched when he suddenly shouted at me, snapping me out of my thoughts. His eyes narrowed with sharp anger that scared me.
"What now?! You’re just going to stand there pretending to be the victim? You’ll never fool me again, Celestine. You’re such a slut! I regret ever loving you. I should’ve never married you. I can’t even understand why I fell for someone as low as you!”
His words stabbed through my chest like a blade. It felt like he was tearing my heart apart with every cruel accusation. And yet, despite the pain, I never once held hatred in my heart for him—because I loved him. My tears had dried up.
Was I becoming numb? Or just used to this kind of pain from Ezeckiel?
I looked down. “I’m really sorry,” was all I could say.
“Where are the annulment papers?” he asked coldly.
“They’re with me. I haven’t signed them yet,” I replied quietly.
“What? Are you insane, Celestine?! If you’re not going to sign them, then leave! You’re just ruining my life!” he yelled.
“Don’t worry, Ezeckiel. I promise this is the last time. You’ll never see me again after today. But before I sign them, can I ask for one last thing—just one request.”
He furrowed his brows, staring into my eyes as if trying to read what was going on in my head.
“Fine. Say it!” he snapped.
“Will you be mine—just for tonight? Please, Ezeckiel. Take me... just this once,” I pleaded.
“After that, I’ll sign the annulment papers. That’s a promise. You’ll get what you want... and you’ll be free to be with Eloisa.”
Eventually, Ezeckiel gave in to my request.
That night, he made love to me—just once, for the last time.
“Are you ready, slut?” he muttered harshly.
I nodded silently.
We were both naked in bed, his body pressing against mine. He kissed me fiercely on the lips—so hard that I almost bled. His hands roamed my body, every touch filled with hunger and rage.
His lips moved down, trailing kisses until they reached my chest. He sucked on both n*****s, making me moan from the intense sensation. I closed my eyes and let myself feel him—completely.
“I love you so much, Ezeckiel,” I whispered.
He moved off me and stroked himself in front of me. I could see the full length of him—hard and thick.
“I bet this won’t even hurt you anymore. With how many men you’ve probably slept with, I doubt you’ll even feel it. Am I right, Celestine?”
I gave him a bitter smile. “Go on, Ezeckiel. Do what you want. Make me feel something—for the last time.”
That last line hurt me more than I expected.
I had given all of myself to the man who was now between my legs.
He positioned himself at my entrance, then thrust himself in without warning. I screamed—from both pain and shock. It hurt so much, I could feel something tearing. My hands gripped the pillows tightly as he moved inside me.
Ezeckiel frowned.
“What just happened? Is this real?” he asked, confused.
Then he kissed me again—gently this time. There was emotion in his lips. I cried again, the pain between my legs blending with the ache in my heart.
“I’m sorry, Tine. Does it still hurt? I can stop…”
“It’s okay, Zeke… keep going,” I rasped.
A small smile tugged at his lips. It felt like—for a brief moment—he cared.
We didn’t just make love once. It happened again and again—three more times.
By the end, I had no strength left for another round. He finally stopped.
He lay beside me and gently pulled me into his arms. He held me like he never wanted to let go.
“I’m never letting you go again, my love,” he whispered.
I smiled faintly. A part of me was happy to hear those words—but deep inside, I knew this shouldn’t have happened. If I kept holding on to this false hope, it would only turn into scandal… and heartbreak.
---
The next morning, I woke up early.
Zeke’s hand was still resting on my chest. I gently lifted it and moved quietly so I wouldn’t wake him. I dressed and fixed myself without making a sound.
I picked up the annulment papers on the table and signed them. I smiled bitterly as I glanced back at Zeke, who was still peacefully sleeping. He must’ve been exhausted from last night—he didn’t even stir from the silence around him.
“Goodbye, my love. I hope you find happiness and freedom with Eloisa. I love you so much, Ezeckiel. I promise… you’ll be my first and my last. You’ll always be in my heart, and I will never forget you—for as long as I live,” I whispered into the stillness.
Before I left, I removed my wedding ring—the same one from our marriage—and watched as tears fell from my eyes.
As painful as it was, I had to do this—for everyone’s peace.
I walked out of the penthouse for the last time.
He was still fast asleep, completely unaware...
that I was no longer by his side.
- Writer
