Chapter Two: Let's get a divorce

Xurion's POV

“Why do you have Drayton's jacket?” I asked, turning to look at her, the word came out sharper than I meant it to be.

“Oh my God,” she half smiled, her expression shifting from devastation to, I don’t know, something way irritating.

“We were drinking in his hotel room and I spilled some wine on myself, so I showered and changed my clothes, and I borrowed his jacket.” She explained, her voice bubbling with confidence.

“You were at his hotel room, drinking alone and…,” I paused and ran my fingers through my hair, my jaw clamped tight, “it doesn't matter,” I gulped down my words, though the feeling of being cheated on twisted in my chest.

I wanted to explain. I wanted to tell her how I felt about her ex-boyfriend sharing a room with her…in my absence.

I wanted to remind her how he'd hurt her in the past and was suddenly trying to walk into the walls she'd built all these years, like nothing happened.

But she'd accuse me of jealousy or being over-protective of her.

I mean, why can't I protect my wife? My love for her. Our marriage? Or protecting our marriage was against a law or something?

My fingers gripped my hair tight enough to calm me down and then I sighed, “ Look, I made you a meal and I got your evening pills, okay? Take them and have some sleep.”

“Good!” She panted, moving her eyes over me, “Drayton is just a business partner, Xurion. And, we only talked about his new plans for my company, so what's the big deal?” she asked, her face practically grew a smirk. Like I was funny or acting up.

But, somehow she still looked beautiful. She always does.

“Xurion, can you get off my back? I mean seriously you remember that I pay for everything, right?,” She started, I was used to the words she was about saying, that I could say it along with her with no bumps, “I work my ass off to keep the company and this house up. And I'm sorry but you are just a stay-at-home husband.”

She poked my chest and pulled at the apron I wore over my clothes, “You know, if you have this much time to lecture me, you could try being useful like Drayton,” she said softly, hissed and then walked into the bathroom.

The word hit me like a brick. Not because it was true, but because of how she said it. Like she suddenly forgot who I was before we got married.

Circe, if I didn't agree to take care of you five years ago, I'd still be a lead astrophysicist at NASR.

The morning came quickly like an eye blink, casting soft rays through the window blind and into the spotless dining room I had taken time to arrange a few hours ago.

Not like I had a sleep last night. All I did was turn, plan and imagine today.

How am I going to present it? Straight up or just drop it as a letter?

What could be her reaction? Will she be broken? Or finally see her wrongs and apologize for everything?

Staring at the bold letters printed at the top of the divorce papers in my hand right now, my mind was disheveled.

I heard flip flops slapping against the floor.

My heart tousled.

Circe is dressed in her nightwear. Hair tucked into her sleep cap, spare for a few stray hairs that blew across her cheeks.

She looked beautiful. Just as she was five years ago when I proposed to her.

Regrettably, this time, she glowed for someone else.

She walked straight to the glass table and sat across from me. Her phone glued to her cheek as always.

She didn't even look in my direction. Like I wasn't there.

She smiled brightly and I wondered what great words she'd heard.

Her dimples deepened, “Yeah, Drayton. I'm free tomorrow night,” She said into her phone, “Okay, yeah, I will see you soon.”

I sat quietly, tightening my grip on the form.

Always Drayton.

He'd gradually taken your eyes off us. Or maybe, you never got off him even while we are married.

My inner chest turned to ice. This was really happening.

“Yeah, tomorrow both of us will be free.” She said and laughed.

And God, it's unfair how good her laughter sounded…for someone else.

And I guess divorcing you Circe, isn't just for me. You look happier with him and not me. I should let you be happy.

I pushed the divorce papers to her. My heart tight.

My expression was straight but internally I frowned because my mind was made.

And as much as I tried to remain cold, the ice melted off.

Her laugh carried across the room, “ Oh, gosh, yeah, the photo you sent of the northern light was perfect,” she continued, picking up the mug and bringing it to her mouth, so quick that her elbow tossed the paper to the floor.

I crouched and picked up the papers.

My heart flamed up.

I should've known not to compare myself to Drayton.

Regret burned in the pit of my stomach.

I thought true love was enough to convince you. But even love couldn't hold us together.

“Xurion, where is my breakfast,” she asked, finally dropping her phone to the table and giving me attention like I had just become visible.

Circe, yesterday was the last meal I'd ever cook for you.

Her expression grew serious.

“I'm hungry! Hello!” She continued, snapping her fingers across my face.

A deep stroke settled between her brows, “Xurion, are you deaf or something?” she asked, glancing across my face.

I felt like a chord just broke in my chest.

I flipped the paper gently in front of her,

“Circe, Let's get a divorce.”