Betrayal Leads to Divorce

Nathan sensed my distress and held my hand tightly, softly whispering, "Aria, don't worry. I won't listen to my mother. To me, you're the most important person."

"The most important?" I muttered, pulling my hand away and gesturing at the pair in the living room. "If I'm the most important, then what are they? Just an afterthought?"

A flicker of pain crossed Nathan's eyes as he tried to embrace me again. But I was done with his touch. In my attempt to break free, my nails accidentally scratched his face.

"Ouch!" Laurel gasped, rushing to his side. She stood on her toes, gently holding his face in her hands, her eyes welling with tears. "You're bleeding! Does it hurt?"

"It's fine, don't worry," Nathan reassured her softly, holding her hand.

I lowered my gaze to the blood on my fingers, feeling as lifeless as a puppet whose strings had been cut, tears streaming down my face uncontrollably.

After calming her, Nathan bent to pick up the crying Matheo, his eyes filled with disappointment as he looked at me. "Aria, is this what you wanted?"

When I remained silent, he just took Laurel's hand and turned to leave. Just before the door closed, he gave me a cold farewell, "If you want a divorce, then that's what you'll get."

The door slammed shut with a resounding thud.

I slowly sank to the floor, wrapping my arms around myself, sobbing until my voice was hoarse.