Chapter 7

“Argantara! We haven’t taken care of the divorce papers at the civil office yet!” I shouted, my voice echoing through the silent living room. My fists clenched, breaths ragged, eyes fixed sharply on my husband who was adjusting his work suit.

Argantara froze mid-motion. His gaze darkened, piercing me with warning. “Devia, can you not talk about divorce in my mother’s house?” His voice was low, tense. “Do you know what will happen if she finds out we’re divorcing? I could be disowned!”

I swallowed a bitter laugh, the bitterness pressing on my chest. “Did you forget? Weren’t you the one who divorced me first? So why are you hesitating now?”

Argantara took a long breath, bowing his head briefly before looking at me with fiery eyes. “Devia, you—!” He nearly shouted, holding back anger that was clearly visible in his jaw. His fists were clenched, but a flicker of doubt lingered in his eyes.

I stepped closer, staring at him without fear. “Argantara, isn’t this a good thing? If I agree to the divorce, you can marry Revania. Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted?”

The room fell silent. Our breaths collided, tense, like two opponents ready to strike. Argantara swallowed hard, his jaw tight, then without a word, he turned and walked out with heavy steps.

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At the office, the atmosphere was different. From a distance, I saw Revania already waiting in her office, sitting gracefully on a black leather chair, her form-fitting dress highlighting her curves, face perfectly made up. The moment Argantara entered, her smile turned sweet and flirtatious.

“Argan…” Revania exhaled, standing slowly and stepping toward him. “I’ve been waiting. I can’t wait to hear the happy news from your own mouth.”

Argantara removed his jacket, placing it on the chair, his expression still cold. “What news are you talking about?”

Revania smiled meaningfully. “The news of your divorce from Devia. You promised, didn’t you? After leaving her, you would marry me.”

I stood in the adjacent office, peeking from behind the door. Her words cut like a knife. My body trembled, but I forced myself to stand tall.

“Reva…” Argantara’s voice sounded heavy, burdened. “I did say that once.”

Revania immediately grabbed his hand, eyes sparkling. “So what are you waiting for? Isn’t it better to announce it now? I’ve prepared everything. The world should know I’m the woman you chose.”

Argantara hardened his face, brushing Revania’s hand away. “You’re rushing things.”

“What do you mean?” Revania’s brows furrowed. Her smile faded, her face tensed.

Argantara let out a long breath, staring out the window. “I… I’m not sure I want to divorce Devia.”

Revania’s eyes widened, her face instantly pale. “What?!” she screamed in disbelief. “Argantara, you’re not serious! You said it yourself—you hate Devia, you want to be free from her, you want me—your first love!”

I couldn’t stay silent. Unconsciously, I stepped out, standing right in front of them. Our breaths collided; the air became thick and tense.

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

Revania sneered, wiping her tears. “Perfect timing. You must be thrilled, right? Hearing Argantara hesitate to divorce you?”

I stared at her without blinking. “I’m not thrilled. But I won’t let you destroy my dignity again. If he truly wants you, I will step aside. But if he hesitates… that means his heart isn’t fully yours.”

Revania turned to Argantara, her face full of pain. “Answer me, Argan! Tell me now—who do you choose?”

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

“Why not?!” Revania shouted. “You coward! You want safety—keeping Devia for your mother, but won’t let me go. You’re selfish, Argan!”

I closed my eyes briefly, then spoke in a cold but firm voice, “I’ll handle the divorce myself, Argan. You don’t need to trouble yourself.”

Argantara turned quickly, eyes on me. “Devia—”

I raised my hand to stop him. “Say nothing more. I’m tired of being a puppet in your game.”

My steps were steady as I left the office, head held high, though my heart shattered. Behind me, Revania’s desperate pleas mingled with Argantara’s frustrated voice.

I paused in the hallway, staring out the window. The afternoon sunlight reflected off the tall buildings, but it felt icy, piercing my bones. “Enough, Devia,” I whispered to myself. “This time, I won’t look back.”

I looked at my clenched hands, remembering every tear, every humiliation, every betrayal I endured. This divorce wasn’t just paperwork—it was the key to my freedom.

My footsteps echoed through the empty corridor. “If this divorce must happen, I will close every door—especially the ones that could bring me back to Argantara’s doubts and Revania’s schemes.”

I glanced back once, seeing Argantara standing in front of the office, his face a mix of frustration and confusion. But I didn’t falter. This time, I was no longer a weak wife or a puppet to be manipulated.