After Daughter's Loss, Divorce

After the funeral, I returned to the house and packed up Seraphina's and my belongings, ready to finally leave this place that had never truly been ours. Honestly, there wasn't much to collect—a few scattered pieces of clothing and Seraphina's small stash of toys.

Adrian had started his business ventures back in college, and his natural talent had quickly made him a rising star in the business world. Yet, he rarely spent any of his wealth on Seraphina or me. All his money went to Clementine.

As I lugged my suitcase downstairs, I unexpectedly bumped into Adrian.

"Where are you going?" he asked, his brows knitting together in confusion.

I met his gaze with calm resolve. "Where I'm headed is no longer your concern."

His eyes narrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I've made it clear before, Adrian," I stated, holding his gaze steadily. "There's nothing left between us."

Adrian let out a sharp laugh. "Melina, do you think you can just walk away like that?"

I frowned slightly, "Adrian, I've already let you go. Please, let me go too."

His anger twisted into a bitter smile as he stepped forward, gripping my shoulders tightly. "You were the one who insisted on marrying me. Now you want to leave as if I meant nothing?"

The pain made me wince, and I struggled to break free. Adrian, what about me? What did I ever mean to you?

I looked at the face I once knew so well, now both familiar and alien, and felt a wave of dizziness.

In truth, Adrian had been good to me once. Especially after my parents passed away suddenly, he took extra care of me. He would spend his meager allowance on snacks for me, try to cheer me up when I was down, and patiently help me with my studies.

But everything changed when Clementine transferred to our high school. Adrian began to distance himself, spending more time with her. Everyone said he was into Clementine, and I was just in the way.

I tried to win his affection, but it only made his disdain more apparent. Even those around him mocked me, saying I was a fool, wagging my tail for Adrian's attention, yet never getting a second glance.

What hurt the most was when Adrian nodded in agreement with those words. I felt like a clown, my only purpose to be laughed at.

Snapping back to reality, I pulled myself from Adrian's grasp and fled outside. His angry shouts echoed behind me.

I quickened my pace, too scared to stop.