Love Burned to a Crisp

The delicate chain held a small, dull stone. Its simplicity made it feel almost like an afterthought.

It was made by Shelby's favorite brand.

"Tucker, I don't want to go. My legs still haven't healed."

He scoffed, pretending not to hear me. "Stop being difficult. Go change," he barked.

When I didn't move, Tucker's brows knitted in frustration. He gripped my wrist tightly and pulled me up, indifferent to the pain coursing through me.

In the car, I curled into myself, overwhelmed by waves of discomfort. Meanwhile, Tucker gazed out the window. His face was cold and unreadable.

Tonight's party was a celebration of Shelby's successful art exhibition.

In the grand hall, she stood in an elegant gown that captured everyone's attention.

Tucker gave me a sharp nudge. "Make sure you properly apologize to Shelby. Don't upset her again."

Apologize? Wasn't I already humiliated enough?

I stared at the simple necklace around my neck before shifting my gaze to Shelby. She wore one from the same brand, but hers was extravagant. It shone brilliantly under the lights.

Just then, Shelby approached us. With a smile, she slipped her arm through Tucker's. "Thank you for the necklace. It's lovely."

Suddenly, her eyes dropped to my trembling legs. After a moment's pause, she covered her mouth and said softly, "Oh my, what happened to your legs? A woman's body is so delicate. Tucker, you really need to be more careful."

Tucker lightly patted her hand. His gaze was warm and tender. "Shelby, you're too kind. I admire how you always think of others."

I couldn't hold it in any longer. A bitter laugh escaped me. "Do you really enjoy flirting like this right in front of me?"

Shelby's brows furrowed. There was a flicker of unease in her eyes as she glanced at Tucker.

Tucker's face darkened immediately. "Willow, don't you have any decency?" he snarled under his breath. "Shelby's been nothing but kind. Meanwhile, you just overthink everything. Thank God she's not nearly as petty as you—"

Before he could finish, he shoved me hard.

My injured legs buckled, and I collapsed to the floor with a thud.

Whispers and curious stares surrounded us from every direction.

Without hesitation, Tucker stepped protectively beside Shelby. "Don't pay her any attention. Let's get out of here," he murmured.

…

Late at night, I finally dragged my weary body back home. The pain in my legs throbbed, but the ache in my heart was far deeper.

My marriage to Tucker felt like a hopeless wreck. I had given it everything, yet never once received so much as a flicker of tenderness from him.

Suddenly, the door swung open. Tucker stood there with irritation etched across his face.

"Willow, what the hell were you thinking today? Can't you just behave for once? Did you really have to make a scene at an event like that?"

I met his gaze. The disappointment I'd been holding back broke free at last.

Without saying a word, I pulled a document from the drawer and threw it in front of him. It was the divorce papers I had prepared.

He glanced at them, and a scowl formed on his face. With a scoff, he pushed them aside.

"Stop playing these foolish games. Do you really think anyone's buying your little stunts? If you hadn't begged me to marry you, do you honestly think I would've ever said yes?"

As I looked at him, the pain inside me slowly faded. It was replaced by a quiet, steady resolve.

"Yes, Tucker. I was the one who pushed for this marriage. I was the one who loved too deeply. I was wrong from the very start. And now, I regret everything. I want to end this."

He paused briefly. His lips curled up in a disdainful smirk. His voice remained cold and detached.

"Alright, alright. I get it. You've had a tough day."

He drummed his fingers on the table. "Anyway, I still have to help Shelby prepare for her next exhibition. Whatever this is between us, we'll talk when I get back."

Without another word, he turned and walked away, showing no hesitation or concern for what we once had.

I let out a bitter laugh as I watched his retreating figure. "What's left to say, Tucker? From the very beginning, I was the one trying to hold us together. You never cared."

He paused but didn't turn around. His voice was calm and almost detached.

"Here's one last piece of advice, Willow. Stop going after Shelby. As long as you behave like you know your place, you'll still be Mrs. Davenport."

I scoffed. In that moment, any lingering feelings I had were completely shattered.

Without hesitation, I signed the divorce papers and retrieved the passport and ID I had set aside.

At last, I removed the ill-fitting wedding ring from my finger and set it down on the papers.

For a fleeting moment, it felt as if I was shedding the weight of all the emotions I had carried for so long.