Sorry Comes After Death

Pedro's voice hit like a slap, sharp and smug. My ears rang. My heart was sinking.I stared at Vivian, blood pooling under her, and croaked, "Pedro, I'm serious. She's dead."He snorted."Dead? For real? And what, I'm supposed to hold a funeral for her now? Reena, just 'cause I've played nice doesn't mean I see you as family. You, Vivian, and your little stunts are pathetic."It was summer, but I felt frozen.I should've known he wouldn't believe me. Vivian was merely a pawn used to shield him from his parents' nagging.Still... a part of her must've hoped he'd care. In the end, he let her down—again.A girl's voice came from the other end of the phone. "Pedro, why are you still on the phone? Come sing with me!"Pedro's voice flipped, syrupy sweet. "Alright, alright, my princess. I'm hanging up."The night was pitch black. Somehow, I felt suffocated as if it wrapped me tightly.I held Vivian's blood-soaked body. Eyes blank. Mind gone.It made no sense.Yesterday, she was

Maybe I'd finally snapped, because when I said "divorce," all I felt was peace.The room went quiet. I just stood there, waiting.Marco had no reason to say no. Niama was back. Once we were done, he could run straight to her—no drama, no family gossip, no pretending.Then his phone rang. I knew that sound. Niama's exclusive ringtone.His eyes flicked with panic. He answered, right in front of me.Her voice came through loud and needy."Marco, I think I caught a cold. Can you take me to the hospital? I called Pedro, but he didn't pick up."She sounded so fragile, like always.And just like that, I saw it—that flash of worry in his eyes. I'd told myself I was ready for this, but yeah, it still hurt.She had a cold and he was falling apart.Me? I once had a 104 fever. Begged him to take me in. He threw a "call an ambulance" my way and left to check on Niama.Even now, after I dropped the divorce bomb, he still picked her.He almost tripped when rushing out, with his phone pres

Marco squinted, his demeanor icy and suffocating. Honestly? He wasn't any better than Pedro.Our marriage was straight-up business. We played nice for a couple of years, but these last six months? Total mess. He crossed every line—he even came for my company.If I hadn't woken up and slammed the brakes, Vivian wouldn't have suggested running away with me.And maybe... she'd still be here.That thought hit me like a punch to the gut. For a second, it actually felt like I'd pushed her.My face paled. I yanked my hand back, trying to stay chill. "You should be asking him what he did to Vivian.""Reena—""Marco." I cut him off fast. I didn't care what he had to say. Especially not if he was about to drag Vivian's name into this. She deserved better. "Let's just get divorced. No drama, no family ties, no company talk."Originally, I was gonna dip quietly—mail the divorce papers, skip the drama, keep the business clean.But he already let Niama move in. Pretty sure he wouldn't put u

He sighed like he was the victim here. "Reena, Niama and I are just friends. Why do you always doubt us? This all started because you were suspicious."I let out a sharp laugh. "Oh, really? So if I had some guy bestie, ditched you for him nonstop, got handsy in public, ignored you at home, let the gossip fly—and then just said, 'WE'RE JUST FRIENDS'—you'd be chill with that? Maybe even fluff a pillow for him in the guest room?"His face stiffened. Brows pulled tight.I gave a cold chuckle. "Yeah. Didn't think so. So what makes you think you get to ask me to be the generous one?"The car went dead quiet.Then Marco let out a slow breath. "So you're saying... if I cut off Niama, you'll drop the divorce?"I smiled. His face lit up like a fool.Then I laughed. "Of course not. I want a divorce because I can't stand you. I hate you."His face dropped, and I didn't even try to hide the grin tugging at my lips.So this is what it feels like to mess with someone you can't stand. Kinda a