Chapter 6

“Argantara! We haven’t settled the divorce papers at the civil office yet!”

I glared at him, my voice trembling with suppressed emotion. “I want you to take care of it today.”

Argantara, who had been adjusting his work suit, froze mid-movement. His gaze immediately shifted to me, darkening. “Devia, can you not talk about divorce in my mother’s house?” his voice pressed, full of warning. “Do you know what will happen if she finds out we’re divorcing? I’ll be disowned as her son!”

I scoffed, the bitterness stabbing through my chest. “Have you forgotten? Weren’t you the one who divorced me first? Why hesitate now?”

“Devia, you—!” he snapped, holding back his anger. His fists clenched, but I could see doubt flickering in his eyes.

I stepped closer, locking my gaze onto his without fear. “Argantara, isn’t this a good thing? If I agree to divorce, you can marry Revania. Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted?”

For a moment, silence filled the room. Our breaths clashed in the air, tense, like two enemies ready to strike.

Argantara finally averted his gaze and stormed out without a word.

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At the office, the atmosphere was different. From a distance, I saw Revania already waiting inside his room. She sat elegantly in her chair, her fitted dress accentuating her perfect figure, her face painted flawlessly with makeup. The moment Argantara entered, her expression instantly softened into something sweet and coy.

“Argan…” Revania sighed, standing as she walked toward him. “I’ve been waiting. I can’t wait to hear the happy news from your lips.”

Argantara slipped off his suit jacket and placed it on the chair. “What news are you talking about?” His voice was cold.

Revania smiled knowingly. “Of course, the news of your divorce with Devia. You promised me—after you leave her, you’ll marry me.”

From my own office next door, I could hear her voice faintly. Each word pierced me like a blade, but I forced myself to keep my back straight, pretending not to care.

Argantara fell silent, his eyes fixed on her. “Reva…” his voice was heavy. “I did say that once.”

Revania immediately clutched his hand. “Then what are you waiting for? Wouldn’t it be better to announce it right away? I’ve prepared everything, Argan. I want the world to know I’m the woman you chose.”

But instead of smiling, Argantara’s face hardened. He pulled his hand away. “You’re rushing things.”

“What do you mean?” Revania’s brows furrowed, her smile fading.

Argantara exhaled deeply, then stood by the window, staring outside. “I… am not sure I want to divorce Devia.”

Revania’s eyes widened, her face instantly paling. “What?!” her voice rose in disbelief. “Argantara, you can’t be serious! You told me yourself—you hate Devia, you want to be free of her, you want me—your first love!”

I heard every word from behind the door. My fists clenched, my whole body trembling as I tried to steady myself.

“Revania,” Argantara’s voice was firm, but conflicted. “I won’t deny that before, I wanted to be rid of her. But now… I don’t know. I can’t just sign those divorce papers so easily.”

“Why?!” Revania cried, tears welling in her eyes. “Is it because of your mother? Or… is it because of Devia?”

He stayed silent for a long while. His jaw tightened as if he were restraining something. “I don’t know. But I… have doubts.”

Revania broke into sobs, her face red with anger and heartbreak. “You coward, Argan! You said I was everything to you, yet now you can’t even keep your promise. You’re choosing her… that woman you never even loved!”

The door creaked open. I didn’t even realize when I had moved, but suddenly I was standing in front of them. Our eyes locked, the air instantly charged with tension.

“That woman… is me, Revania,” I said softly, but with firmness. “Don’t speak as if I’m invisible.”

Revania scoffed, quickly wiping away her tears. “Perfect timing. You must be thrilled, aren’t you? Hearing Argantara hesitate to divorce you?”

I met her gaze without flinching. “I’m not thrilled. But I won’t let you trample on my dignity again. If he truly wants you, I’ll step aside. But if he’s hesitating… that means his heart isn’t fully with you.”

Revania spun toward Argantara, her face full of pain. “Answer me, Argan! Say it right now—who do you choose?”

Argantara rubbed his face in frustration. “Reva… don’t force me.”

“Why not?!” Revania screamed. “You’re just a coward! You want to play it safe—keep Devia for your mother’s sake, but not let go of me either. You’re selfish, Argan!”

I closed my eyes briefly, then spoke quietly. “I’ll handle the divorce myself, Argan. You don’t have to bother.”

My words made him turn sharply. “Devia—”

I lifted a hand to stop him. “Don’t say anything more. I’m tired of being the puppet in your game.”

I walked out with my head held high, though inside my heart was shattering into pieces. Behind me, I could still hear Revania’s desperate pleas mixed with Argantara’s frustrated voice.

My steps trembled, but I made a vow to myself: this time, I wouldn’t turn back. If this divorce must happen, then I will close every door—especially the one leading back to Argantara and his doubts.