Divorce Amidst Revenge

After leaving the hospital, I said goodbye to my parents and turned back inside. As I neared the hospital room's door, I was about to knock when I overheard Clayton's voice from within.

"Arabella, you're finally awake. I was so scared you might never wake up."

"Clayton, don't be sad anymore. Look, I'm awake now, you silly."

"Yes, yes, you're awake. We won't ever be apart again."

Through the glass window, I saw Clayton holding Arabella tightly. My husband and my sister. The scene hit me like a jolt of electricity. I pushed the door open, my rationale left at the threshold.

Hearing the noise, Arabella looked at me, not with shame, but with a joy that bordered on triumph. "Liana, let me introduce you. This is Clayton, my boyfriend."

Clayton's gaze was tender on Arabella, but when he looked at me, his eyes turned cold, the warmth replaced by a chilly warning. He was signaling me to stay quiet.

But what could I say? He was my husband.

"Liana? Why are you staring at Clayton like that? Is something wrong?"

Clayton gently stroked Arabella's head, speaking softly, "Maybe Liana is still overcome with emotion. You just woke up; you shouldn't overdo it. Come, lie down and rest."

"But I want to talk a bit more."

"Be good and take a nap. I'll come back soon to keep you company."

"Alright, then." After calming Arabella, the tenderness vanished from Clayton's face. His expression darkened as he walked toward me and murmured, "Come with me."

I glanced at Arabella lying there, choking back my tears.

In the stairwell, Clayton grabbed my arm and pushed me against the wall. Pain shot through my back, and a soft hiss escaped my lips.

Clayton leaned against the wall, effectively pinning me in place.

"Liana, you know what you need to know. In front of Arabella, I don't want you to reveal our relationship."

"Even if I don't, she'll figure it out eventually."

We were husband and wife. It could be hidden for a while but not indefinitely.

Clayton's brows knitted, his eyes heavy with contemplation.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he spoke. "Then we'll get divorced, the sooner the better."

I scoffed, laughing bitterly. "Divorce? You think you’ve hurt me, and I’ll just let you hurt my sister too? You want a divorce? No way."

Three years of marriage, and I finally realized the kind of man Clayton truly was.

---

The next day felt bleak despite the bright autumn skies. Leaves crunched underfoot as I walked along the path lined with Victorian-style houses. I couldn't help but think back to the Thanksgivings when Arabella and I laughed over spiced honey cake and coffee. Such a stark contrast to the coldness between Clayton and me now.

As I reached my car, I glanced at my phone, half-expecting a message on WhatsApp from Clayton, but there was nothing. Perhaps it was better this way, I thought, as I drove towards my friend Elise's house, hoping to find some comfort.