Chapter Two

"A knock on the door woke me up, and with a splitting headache, looking around, I realized I slept on the couch. With a sigh, I moved to the door, and a man in his early twenties gave me an envelope.

I thanked him, and he left.

Maxwell didn't feel any form of remorse over what happened the night before. The realization and hurt fueled my anger as I went to him.

"Will you pretend that nothing happened the day before, Maxwell?" I asked.

He looked at me emotionlessly.

"Where have I gone wrong? Is it a crime to love you?" I said to Maxwell.

"I have sacrificed everything to make sure our marriage works. You don't give me the love I deserve," I continued.

He still didn't say anything.

"I can't do this again," I said, "I am tired and worn out, completely drained of emotions."

My voice trembles with resolution. I've tried everything—talking, pleading, and hoping for change—but it's as if I'm talking to a brick wall. I don't want to continue living this way. I want to be alive and to be loved. I want out!"

Then he looked at me defensively and said, "What are you talking about? We have ups and downs like every other marriage."

Taken aback, I replied, "It's not just ups and downs. It's constant disrespect, neglect, and emotional abuse. I feel like I'm walking on eggshells around you, constantly afraid of triggering your anger. I deserve better than this."

He moved in closer, holding onto my hands. Immediately I yanked my hand off, feeling disgusted by his touch.

"I'm sorry, Jasmine. I didn't realize how my actions affected you."

"Seriously! Sorry isn't enough anymore, Maxwell," I muttered.

The damage has been done, and I have been waiting for change for far too long. I can no longer sacrifice my happiness and well-being. "I want out of this loveless marriage," I whispered, my eyes welling up.

"Jasmine, if you could just give me a chance to make things right. I want to keep you because I care about you. I'll do whatever it takes to change and become the partner you deserve," he pleaded.

"I've heard these promises before. I've waited and hoped, but nothing ever seems to change. I can't continue to be trapped in this cycle, yearning for a miracle that may never come. My heart is aching. I have to prioritize my health and seek a life where I feel accepted and respected."

"I recognize that my words may no longer carry much weight, but it pains me to see you in pain, and I must accept responsibility for my actions. If you believe that leaving is what is best for you, I will not stand in your way. But keep in mind when we first started," he replied, upset.

Floods of emotions rose through my mind. With a heavy heart, I crashed on the loveseat, holding my head, tears streaming down. I thought of our first date, our hearts racing with anticipation as we stared into each other's eyes. Our weekend getaway: exploring new destinations together. Our late-night conversations: talking as we found our soulmate in each other. Cooking together with playfulness as laughter filled the kitchen. Surprise gestures as delight and gratitude shone from our hearts. Snuggling up on rainy days we listened to the raindrops against the windowpane. Movie nights at home: cuddling on the couch, sharing a bowl of popcorn. Surprising each other with love notes hidden in unexpected places. At our wedding ceremony: dancing like there is no care in the world.

We created a great life together in the early years of our marriage. We worked together as a team, encouraging one another's goals and recognizing each other's accomplishments. We were each other's closest friends, confidants, and lovers. Our bond radiated warmth and tenderness like a flame.

The foundation of our marriage was steadily destroyed by the demands of work, outside activities, and unresolved concerns.

The once strong bond became strained, and the love that had once burned so brilliantly started to flicker.

Lack of communication, unmet expectations, boredom, and resentment cause disputes that turn into bitter exchanges. We tried to find our way back to the love we once knew, but we got caught in a cycle of pain and misunderstanding.

Amidst the flood of emotions, I couldn't ignore the painful reality that had settled in our marriage. The toxicity had become too much to bear. A series of cheating on me and still claiming to love me.

"Do you ever think about how we started?" I asked him.

"Maxwell, it's not easy for me to walk away from the life we built together. I never intended for it to go this bad. But staying would only prolong the suffering for both of us. We both deserve a chance at happiness, even if it means finding it separately."

"How do you think I felt when I pushed open the door and saw you and our housekeeper Mandy on our matrimonial bed? And still no sign of remorse," I yelled at him.

That act is the painful reality of your constant infidelity. And that wasn't the first time," I said to Maxwell.

I had called Ava the night before, and she skillfully guided me through the legal process, ensuring that I had all the necessary resources and support to proceed with the divorce. She ensures that I have the upper hand in negotiations.

Pushing myself up from the loveseat, I found the courage to face the terrible reality. "Sign the damn paper, and let's go our separate ways," I said, my voice full of hurt and determination.

I knew that to achieve happiness and restore my sense of self, I had to leave behind the toxicity of my marriage.

With a tinge of anger in his voice, Maxwell said, "I wish things could have been different." He took the pen and signed the divorce papers.

Unknown to me, my true desires go beyond what I can see."