chapter 4

The night after the banquet felt heavier than usual. The Hayes mansion was silent now. No laughter, no music, no guests. Only the distant ticking of a clock could be heard. Inside the bedroom, Ethan stood near the window, loosening his cufflinks while staring outside. The city lights shimmered faintly– indifferent, distant, unaffected by anything.  Behind him the door opened and Sophia stepped inside. She slammed the door shut. Ethan didn't turn immediately. He knew the tension had been brimming since the banquet. It was finally exploding. 

“Do you know what tonight did to me?” Sophia whispered hoarsely. She was still in her evening dress though it was slightly undone. Her hair was loose at the edges and her expression frustrated and exhausted. 

“I know.”

“You didn’t do anything.” She replied accusingly. 

“ I did”, Ethan said slowly. 

Sophia laughed bitterly. “ By standing there? Silent. Watching them humiliate you—and in extension humiliating me too.”. Her voice rose slightly. “You think that doesn’t reflect on me?” 

Sophia stepped closer. “I defended you. I have always defended you every time someone questioned my choice. But tonight,” Sophia’s voice broke, “ I felt ashamed.” 

Her words felt heavier than the insults of the banquet. Ethan's gaze dropped slightly. Not out of defeat—but restraint. “I didn’t speak because it wouldn’t have helped. It would have made things worse for you.” 

Sophia shook her head. “ That’s always your answer. Always patience. Always silent.” 

She turned away for a moment, running her hands through her hair. “You don’t know what it’s like. They don't respect you and in turn they don't respect me as well.” 

Ethan took a slow step forward. “Sophia.” 

“No.” She turned back slowly. “Don’t.” Her eyes were glossy now. “I am tired now Ethan. I am tired of excuses. I am tired of silence. I am tired of standing next to someone that doesn’t stand up for himself.” 

Ethan flinched slightly—but said nothing. 

Sophia’s voice lowered, “If this continues, our marriage will not survive.” The words landed heavily. Ethan looked at her for a long moment. He could see everything she was not saying. 

He nodded slightly and said, “I understand.” 

Sophia was surprised by that response. She expected anger. Or resistance. But there was none. She turned away, frustrated. “I don’t hate you,” she said softly, ”But I can’t keep living like this.” 

Then she added reluctantly, “Sometimes, I wonder if I made a mistake.” 

That sentence cut deeper than anything else. Ethan’s finger tightened slightly at his side. But his voice remained steady, “Did you?” 

Sophia hesitated. Ethan nodded slowly. “I see.” 

Sophia frowned. “Ethan, that’s not what I meant-

But he raised his hand slightly. “I won’t argue with you tonight,” Ethan replied calmly. 

He turned towards the window again. The city lights stretched endlessly beyond the glass. “I just need a little more time.” 

Sophia let out a little breath. “Time doesn’t fix humiliation." 

“No, it doesn’t,” Ethan said quietly. 

That answer made her pause. It wasn’t surrender. It sounded like understanding. Sophia looked at him carefully. Something about him felt different now–but she couldn’t quite place it. Finally she spoke again, “ I don’t know who you are anymore.” 

“I do.” 

A long silence followed. Then Sophia moved towards the door. As she put her hand on the handle, she turned to look back at him. Then she left. 

Ethan remained still by the window. The room was silent again. He exhaled slowly and reached into his pocket. His phone was there. He turned it over in his hand. Victor's words came to his mind. Ethan stared at the phone for a long moment. Then placed it on the table. He didn’t call. Not yet. 

He walked back towards the window. His reflection appeared faintly. As he stared, his eyes grew colder and he whispered to himself,  “ One day you will understand.  And when that day comes, no one will be able to ignore me.”

The city lights flickered faintly. And somewhere in the distance, something was already moving closer.