Chapter 3

Serena’s POV

Sophia watched me closely from the kitchen counter, arms folded. "You haven't said a word since you got here."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "There's nothing left to say."

She scoffed. "Oh, please. You just burned down five years of your life, and you're telling me you have nothing to say about it?"

I held tightly on to the glass of water she had given me. The truth was, I did have a lot to say but I just wasn’t sure of where to begin.

How was I supposed to put into words the years of neglect? The quiet pain of being invisible to the man I loved? The humiliation of watching Pristine wrap herself over my husband while he did nothing to stop her?

I closed my eyes. "I wasted too much time on Alexander. I’m done."

Sophia leaned forward, with a soft expression softening on her face. "Are you sure? You don’t intend to run to him the moment he begs you?"

I gave her a hard stare. "What do you mean?"

"You walked away, sure. But have you really let him go? Because if you haven't, Serena, you're just giving him the power to keep hurting you."

She was right about what she said, I knew it. 

I looked down at my hands, the same hands that had signed those divorce papers without any form of hesitation. And yet, the ache in my chest hadn’t left.

Would it ever?

Sophia sighed and grabbed my suitcase, rolling it toward the guest room. "You can stay here as long as you need. But just know, I'm not letting you mope around. You’re free now, Serena. Act like it."

She disappeared into the hallway, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Free.

The word felt foreign on my tongue.

For five years, I had been Alexander Calloway’s wife. A title that had meant nothing to him but had cost me everything. My pride. My dignity. My ability to dream of a future where I was truly happy.

I should be celebrating.

Instead, all I felt was emptiness. Like I was nothing without him.

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing.

For a second, my heart clenched at the ridiculous hope that I had. I couldn’t believe myself, I was still wishing to get his calls, how pathetic of me. 

Thankfully, the call wasn’t from him.

It was a number I didn’t recognize. I hesitated before picking up. "Hello?"

"Mrs. Calloway?" A deep voice called my name in a question tone.

I paused at the name for a while. That was not my name anymore. "Who is this?"

"My name is Daniel Brooks. I’m a lawyer representing the Calloway family. Mr. Vincent Calloway has requested a meeting with you regarding the finalization of your divorce settlement."

My eyes dropped. Of course, Vincent had to be involved. The man had never hidden his contempt for me. I had no doubt he was furious that I had dared to walk away on my terms instead of being thrown out like he had always wanted.

"When and where?" I asked, keeping my voice steady.

"Tomorrow at noon. Calloway Enterprises."

I gritted my teeth. He wanted me to come to his territory. Where I would be surrounded by reminders of the life I was leaving behind.

Fine. If this was the last time I had to face them all, I would do it standing tall.

"I'll be there."

The moment I stepped into Calloway Enterprises the next day, it felt like I was being watched by hundreds of eyes. The employees had always treated me with politeness and maybe, a bit of indifference, which was valid, after all, I had never truly been part of this world.

But today, there was something else in their eyes. They looked curious and I could hear them whispering amongst each other as I walked down the hall. Though I couldn’t hear whatever they talked about, not like I cared to know. 

I ignored them and kept my head high. I was here for one reason which was to put an end to this chapter of my life.

The receptionist directed me to the top floor, where Vincent Calloway’s office was located. I walked inside, making sure there was no hint of fear in my blank expression.

There he was, Vincent was sitting behind his big desk, and his sharp gaze was scanning me from head to toe, like he was looking to see signs that I was suffering. 

On his left hand side was Alexander, who had an unreadable face. He looked like he was in thoughts though. What could he be thinking about?

"Serena," Vincent greeted, with a smooth and at the same time, condescending voice. "Glad you could make it."

I took the seat across from them. "Let’s not waste time. What do you want?"

Vincent smirked. "Straight to business. I suppose I can appreciate that." He slid a folder toward me. "These are the final terms of your settlement. I suggest you review them carefully."

I picked up the papers, reading through them. My jaw tightened. "You’re offering me almost nothing."

Vincent leaned back, clearly enjoying himself. "You were a Calloway for five years, but you never truly belonged. Consider yourself lucky I’m giving you anything at all."

Anger burned under my skin. He had never respected me. And now, even after I was out of their lives, he was trying to make sure I walked away with nothing.

I slid the papers back toward him. "I don’t need your money."

Vincent let out a chuckle. "Pride is a foolish thing, Serena."

I met his gaze without flinching. "So is underestimating me."

For the first time, Alexander spoke. His voice was quiet, but there was an edge to it. "Serena, take the money. You need it, don’t let anger block all your sense of reasoning."

I turned to him, getting infuriated. The nerve of this man! Did he really think I was here to beg?

He was watching me with that same detached expression he had worn throughout our marriage, but I could see it now. He was trying to keep himself distant, to maintain control.

I almost laughed. It was too late for that.

I stood up. "I don’t want anything from you, Alexander. Not your money, not your pity. Nothing. You can shove it down your throat, I’m not as worthless as you."

His eyes turned dark, but I didn’t wait for a response. I turned and walked away, leaving them both behind.

The past was behind me.

And I had no intention of looking back. This was actually what I needed to block him out of my life. He was a mistake that I would never repeat. To hell with him; to hell with the Calloway’s!