They Celebrated ‘Freedom’ — So Did I

From that day on, Natasha never came home. It felt like she was deliberately giving me the cold shoulder to make me apologize first. Unfortunately for her, I would not cave anymore.

A week passed in a blink. One of the senior figures in our social circle, Yosef Schmidt, was throwing a birthday gala, and both Natasha and I received invitations. We were supposed to attend the event together, but since I could not reach her, I had to go alone with a gift in hand.

The moment I stepped into the ballroom, I saw Natasha and Stanley dressed in matching outfits. I thought I had moved on, but the sight of it still hurt, and my face instantly turned pale.

Stanley had his arm wrapped around Natasha as they danced. He caught my eyes mid-spin and flashed a smug, taunting smile.

Everyone in the room recognized the three of us, and the atmosphere shifted instantly. Before long, curious stares and whispers surrounded us.

Many looked at me with mocking eyes, as if ridiculing how I had worked so hard to marry Natasha but could not even keep her.

My pride was shattered completely.

Natasha also noticed my arrival, and her eyes showed panic as she abruptly pulled away from Stanley's hand and walked toward me. She quickly explained, "Kieran, don't get the wrong idea. This is just ordinary ballroom dancing."

"Kieran! In high society, it's perfectly normal for men and women to ballroom dance together. You're not that petty, are you? Poor Nattie! She can't even enjoy basic socializing anymore," Stanley chimed in, voice dripping with fake sympathy.

I ignored them both. I was so disappointed that I felt numb.

Later, I calmly handed Yosef his birthday gift. Then, I walked back over to Natasha and said flatly, "Since there's no affection left between us, let's stop hurting each other. Let's save ourselves some grace. I already drafted the divorce papers, so come home tonight and sign them. I wish you both happiness in your future marriage."

With that, I strode away.

Natasha's panicked voice called out behind me. "Kieran, wait! Calm down..."

She chased after me into the garden, looking more shaken than I had ever seen her. It was unlike her because she was always composed and had everything under control.

"The details don't matter anymore. What matters is your heart clearly isn't with me. You knew we were both supposed to attend this kind of event together, but you left me behind without a word."

I added softly, "For the sake of our years together, let's part ways peacefully."

Natasha looked at my determined expression and burst into tears, as if she had lost her most precious possession. I watched her reaction with confusion.

Choosing Stanley was her choice, so why was she crying?

Stanley quickly chased after us, looking at me angrily and cursing, "Wipe your tears, Nattie! This freeloader doesn't deserve your love! You still have me by your side, and I'll always be there for you!"

As I watched her collapse into Stanley's arms, crying, I let out a mocking laugh.

Then, I coldly threw my final words at Natasha, "Enjoy your time with Stanley while you can. Soon, you'll both have nothing left."