Chapter 2

~Rose~

My entire world crashed before my eyes, and all I could do was stare at my friend.

Breathing became difficult, my face drained of color, as I struggled to process what I was seeing. The very friend who had always wished me well… was now in a room with my husband?

Being unfaithful was one thing, but with my own husband? I didn’t want to believe it, but the truth was staring me in the face.

Swallowing my sobs, I rushed to James, clutching his sleeve with trembling hands. “James, please tell me this isn’t real. I must be misunderstanding, right?” My voice broke as my knees nearly gave out.

“Rose…” he finally spoke after what felt like forever, his voice heavy with guilt. That alone said it all. I hadn’t even noticed my hand fall away from him.

He didn’t offer much explanation, but he didn’t need to. His silence screamed the truth I was desperate not to hear. I tried to steady myself, to breathe, but I couldn’t stop trembling.

“Why?” I wanted to scream, but it came out broken and soft, my chest tightening with pain. Wasn’t I enough? I wanted to rip myself open to find what was wrong with me, because surely, something had to be.

Blinking back the tears clouding my vision, I turned away from him. Without another glance, I pushed him aside and walked out of the room.

Before I exited the hotel completely, I foolishly slowed my pace, half-hoping he would come after me. But no one did.

I just couldn't figure out where I went wrong. Everything stopped making sense, especially after what I witnessed in that room. I'd already resigned myself to the fact that my husband had countless girlfriends, but choosing my best friend? That broke something inside me.

Everything felt empty.

On the drive back to the penthouse, I couldn’t hold it in. I cried. Not the quiet kind, but the messy, uncontrollable kind, sniffling, tears soaking through my dress. If I could just sit him down and ask why he treats me this way, maybe I’d find some peace. I’ve tried, over and over again, to make him love me… but he never did.

Three years. Three years of loving him, of tolerating his endless flings. And what do I get in return? He ends up with my best friend. God, how does that even make sense?

When the car stopped, I paid the fare quickly. My heels clicked sharply against the tiles as I hurried into the penthouse. I barely noticed the servants bustling around, tidying up the house. I couldn’t focus on anything.

I didn’t stop until I got to our room. My heart sank as I curled into a corner, crying all over again. It felt like I had spent the whole day in tears.

Through swollen eyes, I kept glancing at the door, hoping he’d walk in. But the entire night passed, and he never came. I don’t even know how many hours I waited before I finally fell asleep.

The next morning, I was jolted awake by the sound of his car. I rushed downstairs, nearly stumbling.

“You’re back,” I said stiffly, nervously wringing my hands.

One look at him, and I knew. He had spent the night with her. I clenched my fists as I noticed the lip gloss stain on his collar. And to think I was worried sick last night.

“Huh,” he grunted coldly and tossed a document onto the nearest table. “Sign this.”

“What’s this?” I asked, reaching for it slowly.

“Divorce papers,” he said flatly.

My heart dropped. I instinctively stepped back from the document, shaking my head in disbelief.

Divorce? He had to be joking. We’ve been together for years. Sure, I’ve thought about walking away before, but I never did. Now he’s the one bringing up divorce?

I forced a shaky smile, trying to stay composed. “What is this, really?”

“I said I want a divorce. Sign it.”

That time, his words crushed what little strength I had left. The smile faded from my face. I couldn’t stay silent anymore. I had endured so much, looked the other way, accepted the humiliation, even tolerated his other women. And all of that… only to be discarded like this?

“James, you can’t… I’m pregnant,” I blurted out.

I had reached my breaking point, and in desperation, I clung to the only thing I thought might save our crumbling marriage.

But the reaction I hoped for never came. Instead, James’s face twisted with even more anger. Was I imagining it?

“Pregnant? Then get rid of it!” he said angrily.

“You’re not happy?” 

“Of course not,” he nearly shouted. “You really think I don’t see through your little act? Pretending to be okay with everything while sneaking around with other men?”

“What?” I gasped, shocked by the accusation. “What are you even saying?”

“Your friend told me everything,” he spat.

I was stunned into silence. This was too much to take in, my so-called friend, who had been sleeping with my husband, was now slandering me too? She wasn’t even pretending anymore. But what hurt even more was James… the man I once loved… actually believed her.

How could he?

I looked at him, forcing myself to stay calm. “Do you believe her?” I asked softly, though I already knew the answer.

“Who wouldn’t?” he replied coldly.

“Answer me properly!” I snapped, my frustration breaking through.

“Yes. I believe her,” he said without hesitation. Then, as if my heart wasn’t already crashed, he added, “And sign the divorce papers.” Without another word or glance, he walked out and shut the door behind him.

This time, I didn’t chase after him. I didn’t beg.

Enough was enough.

Even if I tried, would that be enough to change his mind about me? No. Not anymore.

Wiping my tears, I picked up the pen he had left behind and signed the divorce papers.

After gathering my few belongings, I walked out of the house.

I didn’t even notice when the tears started streaming down my face. Something inside me shifted, part of my heart turned cold. Permanently.

From now on, I'm no longer his, and he's no longer mine.