I stepped unsteadily into the house that once gave me a sense of security. But now, this house contains only hurt and humiliation. I want to leave, away from all this, but where?
Once inside, the sounds from last night's party are still echoing in my head. Sabrina's laughter, Ray's scorn, and Dad's cold stare continue to haunt me. I bite my lip, trying to hold back the tears that keep welling up.
My stomach felt empty, I just realized that I hadn't eaten all day. Last night I was too busy following Ray's wishes, pretending to be strong in front of everyone. With trembling hands, I reached for the remaining bread on the kitchen table and took a slow bite. It tasted bland, like my life had lost its flavor.
In the midst of despair, I picked up my cell phone and dialed the number I'd erased so many times, but always remembered by heart. "Dan, I want to file for divorce," my voice was soft, but firm.
There was a moment's pause on the other end before Daniel's voice rang out. "Lea... are you sure?"
I nodded even though she couldn't see me. "I can't take it anymore, Dan. Please help me," I whispered.
Daniel-my ex-boyfriend turned best friend and lawyer-sighs. "Okay. I'll take care of everything. You have to be prepared for the consequences."
I didn't realize that Ray was standing behind the door, hearing everything. I could feel his piercing gaze penetrating these walls. But I didn't care.
In the evening, the sound of a car stopped in front of the house. I remained sitting on the sofa with a blank stare. Ray came in, carrying a jewelry box and a box of chocolates in his hand.
"I know I went too far," he said with a small smile, handing me the gift. "This is for you, Lea. Sorry about yesterday."
I looked at her expressionlessly. Slowly, I grabbed the brown box, then placed it on the table quietly. I also pushed the jewelry box away.
Ray looked surprised, as if he couldn't believe I was refusing. In the past, I might have melted, but now... no.
"You can't buy me with this, Ray," I said coldly. I saw his jaw harden, but I didn't care. I was tired of all this falsehood.
Ray gave me a sharp look. "You think you can just leave? You're not going anywhere, Lea," he said threateningly.
I straightened up, looking at him straight on. "I'm leaving, Ray. I don't care about your threats anymore."
Before Ray could answer, Sabrina's voice came from outside the room. "Ray, where are you? I need you!"
Ray looked at me sharply, his face full of pent-up anger. I knew what he was going to say, and I was prepared for it.
"You must apologize to Sabrina," she said in a cold tone. "Now."
I looked at her expressionlessly. "Apologizing? For what?"
Ray snorted in annoyance. "Don't play dumb, Lea. You've already harmed him. He got hurt because of you!"
I chuckled, bitterly. "I'm the one who harmed him?" I looked at him sharply, no longer trying to hide the anger I had been harboring. "Ray, what harmed him was your own stupidity."
But Ray didn't care. He stepped closer, grasping my arm hard. "I don't care what you think, Lea. You will bow before Sabrina and apologize."
My heart sank. I knew Ray could be this cruel, but I didn't expect him to go this far.
"I would never do that," I said with a trembling voice, but full of firmness.
Ray took a deep breath, looking at me as if I was just a minor annoyance that he could deal with at any time. "If you won't do it, I'll make sure your life in this house suffers even more."
I smiled sadly. "You think my life here can still be worse than this?"
Ray growled, then pulled me roughly. "Come on, now!"
I held myself up with all my might to keep from falling. "I won't do it, Ray," I said with conviction.
Sabrina emerges from behind the door with a face full of satisfaction, her bandaged arm deliberately shown to me. "Ray, there's no need to push her," she said in a soft, but venomous voice. "I know how hard it is for Lea to humble herself."
I clenched my fists tightly, but I would not fall into their trap. "If you want someone to fall at your feet, find someone else. I'm done with all this."
Sabrina smiled sarcastically, but I could see a flash of anger in her eyes. Ray couldn't hide his disappointment either. "Lea, I warned you..."
I didn't wait for him to finish speaking. I turned and walked away, leaving them to their own anger. I had suffered enough, and I would not give them any more satisfaction.
I let out a long breath. Apparently, I was never really in his heart. I was just a tool that he could utilize.
I picked up my phone again and typed a quick message to Daniel. "I'm ready."
