1. Promises That Are Never Kept

“Today is my mom’s birthday. You’re coming, right?” Elmy asked softly, her eyes following every move Zayne made at his desk. He didn’t even glance at her, too absorbed in his work and the world he had built for himself.

“My mom said she wants to see you.” Elmy clenched her fingers tightly. “Could… you spare a little time to come to the celebration?”

Zayne’s fingers froze on the keyboard. His light brown eyes now looked at Elmy. Cold. Even behind his frameless glasses.

A huff escaped Zayne’s lips. Reluctantly, he replied, “I’ll come after I take care of something.”

Elmy nodded and pressed her lips together. Slinging her shoulder bag back over her shoulder, she turned and left Zayne’s office.

On her way to the Jordyn family residence, Elmy saw the house decorated with luxurious ornaments. A large birthday cake sat in the living room. Golden ribbons adorned every pillar, and her mother, Isabella Jordyn, stood waiting with outstretched arms.

“Mom looks beautiful in that dress,” Elmy said, hugging and kissing her cheek.

“You’re even more beautiful, my dear.” Isabella glanced behind Elmy. “Where’s Zayne?”

Elmy’s smile faltered. “Zayne said he’d come later. He should be here soon.” The words meant nothing; even she wasn’t sure.

Her suspicion was correct. Zayne never showed up, not even by the end of the party. Elmy forced a bitter smile, swallowing the disappointment she had grown used to over their one-year marriage. At first, she could tolerate Zayne’s excuses—unexpected meetings, family matters, work his secretary couldn’t handle. She understood how busy a company leader named Zayne Kensley could be.

But this time was different. Zayne had promised he would come, after taking care of something.

What was that something that made him forget this event? Something so important that he would skip the moments Elmy had hoped to share with him. Elmy exhaled and turned to her mother’s arrival.

“Your husband really didn’t come.”

Elmy didn’t reply. She was too tired of defending someone who never truly stood for her. Without explanation, she hugged her mother and left. Thankfully, her mother understood.

Back at home, Elmy squinted. The living room lights were on; usually, the house was quiet at this hour. She briefly thought Zayne hadn’t returned from the office. But the thought was wrong when she glanced at the garage. Zayne’s Mercedes was parked there. He was home.

Elmy’s chest tightened as she faintly heard two voices talking. She recognized them instantly. Zayne—and a woman.

Her chest constricted. Not out of anger or fear, but something more exhausting. Still, she stepped inside to see with her own eyes: Zayne sitting on the sofa, next to him Sunny Carson—Zayne’s ex-girlfriend.

The woman looked fragile. Her clothes were simple, her face tired, her eyes red-rimmed. Zayne leaned toward Sunny and spoke softly, as if the world consisted only of the two of them.

Elmy gripped the side of her dress.

Zayne’s large hand rested on Sunny’s shoulder, stroking it gently. A gesture Elmy had never received in their entire marriage.

Her legs wobbled. She held onto the wall. Her breath caught, as if the air itself had thinned. Her chest ached, her skin tingling with the pain.

So that was the something?

It wasn’t about work. It wasn’t a meeting. Zayne simply didn’t want to come for her. That fact hit Elmy like a slap to the face. She drew a breath, trying to stay calm even as a storm raged inside her.

“Zayne.”

Her voice made them look up. But Elmy saw no regret or guilt on Zayne’s face. Only momentary surprise.

“You—”

“You didn’t come, Zayne.” Elmy cut him off sharply. She stepped closer to the sofa. She didn’t glance at Sunny at all. Her eyes were locked on Zayne’s icy gaze, piercing, as if made to hurt her. “Even though you promised you would.”

“Something urgent came up,” Zayne replied briefly.

Elmy forced a calm smile. Trying to make sense of the situation now.

“Seems like it…” she glanced at Sunny briefly, then back at Zayne. “…urgent,” she added.

Silence filled the living room. Almost suffocating. Elmy saw Sunny bowing her head. As she suspected, Zayne had no intention of explaining. And Elmy didn’t want to ask. She didn’t want explanations. Because she already knew the answer she was looking for was right in front of her.

That night, Elmy stormed up to her room without saying goodbye. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she stared at the wedding ring on her finger. The ring was beautiful, but unlike her marriage.

Cold. Emotionless. Loveless.

How long would she keep standing by a bond like this? How long would she wait for Zayne to choose her, when the choice never fell to her?

She massaged the bridge of her nose hard, letting out a quiet groan as she brushed her hair back. Slowly, she got up and walked to the window.

From the second floor, she could see a scene straight out of a drama: a man intercepting his woman as she tries to leave. Holding her arm, pulling her close. That kind of romantic moment felt impossible—but Zayne did it. For Sunny, not for her.

Elmy turned and drew the curtain. For the first time, she dared to think of something she had never allowed herself before.

Divorce.