Chapter 3

“Your wedding anniversary, Sir. It was yesterday.” Frederick answered cautiously.

Ethan was lost for words. He ran a hand through his hair, feeling a strange feeling in his chest. He had totally forgotten.

He leaned back in his chair with a slight sigh. It all made sense now, the fancy meal, her awkward silence.

Ethan didn’t like the idea of changing. Brielle had always been there for him from the moment they were together. She would not abandon him like that; maybe she just tried to make a point, hoping he would pay more attention to her so he didn't mind being the bigger person this time.

“Cancel my evening meetings. I'll be heading home early.” Ethan added while rubbing his temple.

***

Later that evening, Ethan stayed true to his words and left work earlier than usual.

It wasn't a form of apology. He didn't like loose ends.

He entered the house, expecting the usual busyness he returned to every evening. Instead, he was met with darkness, piercing silence. The lights were off, and there wasn't a single sound from the kitchen.

He found it strange that Brielle was always waiting in the kitchen or the living room for his arrival, attacking him with questions about his day and trying to help him get out of his clothes. But now there was nothing.

“She can not still be mad.” He sighed and descended the stairs until he appeared before her bedroom door, which felt oddly unfamiliar. Even though it was his home, he barely stepped into the room, only on occasions when he spent the night with her.

He knocked once.

“Brielle?” He called in a bored tone.

No answer.

He tried again and eventually turned the doorknob, opening the door himself.

The room was nice and clean. He didn't notice much difference.

“She’s probably out,” he thought as his eyes scanned the room.

Ethan pulled out his phone to call her but realized his phone had been so quiet today.

Usually, Brielle would send him hundreds of texts throughout the day, telling him how her day went and sharing everything that happened.

He never answered those texts, thinking it was a waste of time since he always had more important things to do.

Today, there wasn’t a single text from her.

That was odd.

Ethan decided to call directly instead.

The phone rang and rang, but there was no answer. Ethan's patience was running out, and she finally picked up.

“Where are you?” Ethan questioned straightforwardly, but Brielle mumbled words he couldn’t understand.

He didn't get the chance to ask again until he heard the noise over the phone.

Loud music, laughter, and clinking of glasses flooded his ears through the phone.

He knew where she was so well that he didn’t need to ask.

"You are at a club and got yourself drunk?" Ethan frowned, and the coldness in his voice couldn't be denied.

“Wait a minute,” Brielle said, and a loud ruffle was heard before the noise quieted down, signifying that she had moved to a quiet place.

"Send me the address, and I'll pick you up." Ethan rubbed the knot between his eyebrows.

“There is no need to worry; I'm with Ella.” She said, referring to her childhood friend.

"You'd better-"

“Have you signed the divorce papers?” Brielle didn’t wait until he finished.

“If it is because of our anni- ” Ethan ran his fingers through his hair, trying to talk to her serenely. He was clearly not used to being the one to say sorry, so he looked a bit awkward.

“Have you signed them?” Brielle cut his words again. She was not in the mood to hear anything from him, only about the divorce.

"Don’t play this game with me, Brielle. You won’t get anywhere with it. Threatening me with a divorce will not make any difference." As Brielle interrupted him twice, Ethan was already irritated.

He didn't know when she would drop that, but he always thought she was smart enough to know when to stop.

Ethan ended the call without another word, the line beeping in Brielle’s ear.

For the first time, Brielle didn't stare at her screen in desperation. She only stared at it with relief.

Ethan was always the one to hang up, and Brielle always called after, hoping they could talk more.

But now it was different.

She expected nothing from him.

Brielle walked back into the still-buzzing club and soon found her friend, Ella, approaching her with two drinks.

“That was a really long call.” She passed the drinks to Brielle, looking concerned. “Is everything okay?”

“I'm fine," Brielle answered, but a bitter smile lifted a corner of her lips.

"Brielle, you have suffered so much, and I'm happy you've finally taken the first step." Ella hugged her and then stared at Brielle right in the eye, making her feel there was nowhere to hide, and Ella finally asked that one question.

" So, why now? What made you change your mind to end it now finally?"