The rain was still drizzling when I arrived home. The pain in my chest felt damp, like a fresh wound that wouldn't stop bleeding.
In the living room, Brianna was sobbing in Leo's arms. Tears streamed down my face, not out of jealousy, but from a deeper pain: betrayal, being belittled, and ignored.
I turned and went to the bedroom, leaving them alone. Leo soon followed. "Make her some food," he ordered, his voice flat and devoid of guilt.
"You brought her here, why should I cater to her?" I asked. "I'm not her maid, I'm your wife!"
"Please, Bela..." Leo sighed. "She's not feeling well."
"Not feeling well? What about me? Who cares about me?" I snapped, tears spilling over. Six years together, I took care of him, nurtured him, supported him, and now this?
Leo shook his head. "Bela, you need to see a psychiatrist. You're too sensitive." His words pierced me deeper than the pain of betrayal. He was questioning my sanity, my health.
"You're the one who's sick, Leo!" I retorted. "Six years we've been together, and you believe her more? Who is she? What does she have that I don't?"
Silence enveloped us, only the sound of the rain. Then, I said, "I want a divorce."
The words struck me like lightning. I was shocked, myself. I never imagined I would leave him.
"What? Divorce?" Leo asked, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're just a housewife, with no career or income. How will you survive without me?" His words were meant to belittle me.
The words caught in my throat, a knot of pain, anger, and despair. Tears streamed down my face again.
"Are you sure about this, Bela?" he asked, his voice like a serpent's whisper, trying to lure me back into his web of betrayal. His question was a challenge, a last attempt to test my resolve.
I held his gaze. The eyes that were once peaceful, now held a glint of cunning. I saw a reflection of my former self, foolish and trusting. But this time, my eyes were open.
"You and Brianna should find another place," I said, my voice stronger than I expected. "This is my house. I can earn money later."
Leo was taken aback. "You dared to say divorce. Now you're also daring to kick me out?" he asked, stepping closer and shaking me. "Snap out of it, Bela, this isn't like you."
The air was thick with tension. Leo tried to calm himself, his breaths heavy.
"Take back what you said. I told you, Briana and I are nothing." His voice begged, but still carried an arrogant edge.
"Fine, get her out of this home," I challenged him. He slumped, defeated.
I sighed. A bad feeling started to solidify.
"I got her pregnant," Leo said. The confession shattered the last of my hope. Simple words, but deadly.
The words caught in my throat, a knot of pain, anger, and despair so deep it threatened to consume me. Tears streamed down my face again.
A scream ripped through the silence. Six years with Leo, shattered into a million pieces. Tears flooded my face, burning away the last vestiges of trust. The swelling on my cheek throbbed, more painful than any physical blow.
"Are you sure it's your child, Leo?" I asked, my voice a mere whisper. The question was a last-ditch effort, a glimmer of hope in the ruins of our relationship. Leo's secret, a secret known only to me, had become a double-edged sword.
His eyes blazed with hidden anger. His hand shot up, the unspoken threat more chilling than any physical strike. He didn't hit me, but the gesture was a suffocating vise.
"Yes, I'm sure," he said, his voice low, laced with a pathetic resignation. "But we're not planning to get married. She knows I can't divorce you."
My laughter erupted, a broken sob escaping my lips. How foolish he was! "You can't have two queens in one house, Leo!" I shouted.
"I'll buy her a house. You won't be bothered," he replied flatly. Love, loyalty, six years together, all a cheap joke.
I searched his eyes, seeking the embers of the love that once burned there. All I found was emptiness. He had made his choice, and I, the victim of his selfish decision. Tears continued to flow, soaking my cheeks, the floor, my shattered heart.
"So, is this the end of us?" I asked, my voice barely a murmur. His answer would determine my next step. Rise from the ashes or sink forever in sorrow?
"No, I won't divorce you," he said with an air of confidence.
Silence descended, more agonizing than any words. The loss of trust, love, and a future we once dreamed of together.
I had to let go of him, the man who had destroyed my world. I had to start a new life, a life without him.
"I'm leaving tonight. Tomorrow, when I return, this house must be empty." My decision was made, unyielding. My words pierced, sharp as shards of glass.
Leo just mumbled, "Go. I'll give you time to think. Don't bring up divorce when you come back." He left, leaving behind a suffocating silence. A silence more piercing than any words.
I followed him. In the living room, Brianna sat calmly, a sly smile plastered on her face. There was a sickening satisfaction in her gaze, a victory achieved through betrayal.
"Please, stop fighting," she whined, her voice like poison that made me nauseous.
“Let me take the blame and leave," she said again, her voice muffled by a guilt so cliché.
I ignored her. I needed to settle this with Leo. "You made your choice. You hurt me, betrayed me, and now you try to control me with empty promises!"
"I deserve respect, honesty, and unconditional love. Leo, you can't give me any of that!" My voice trembled, but it was firm.
"I want a divorce!" I repeated, loud and clear. The words were like a spell, breaking the chains.
