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With a nod, Gibran stood up from the table. "I appreciate your time, Nicholas. I'll respect your wishes and leave you to your meal. If there's ever anything else I need to discuss, I'll find another way."

Nicholas acknowledged this with a curt nod and returned his focus to the food in front of him. Alesya, while still processing the revelations, remained silent but offered Gibran a small, understanding smile as he left.

As Gibran exited the restaurant, he couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions – guilt, regret, and a sense of closure. He knew that repairing his relationship with Nicholas would take time, and he needed to focus on mending things with Viska first.

Back at their table, Nicholas and Alesya resumed their meal, albeit with a more relaxed atmosphere now that the unexpected confrontation was over. The weight of the past was still there, but they were determined to focus on their future together, leaving the past behind as much as possible.

Understood, Gibran nodded slowly. He had lost his will to live because Nicholas had truly come to despise him, removing his name from the list of friends they had built for over a decade.

With a heavy heart, Gibran left Alesya and Nicholas there. Deep down, Gibran still hoped that Alesya would hold on because their friendship had been strong. Unfortunately, she chose not to, as she prioritized Nicholas's comfort.

Even though they remained friends, Alesya supported whatever Nicholas said. Not to mention this small decision; she had entrusted her entire life to him.

"If that's the way it is, it's better to end your marriage with Bryan. He's useless. He couldn't give you any happiness at all. You've already married without blessings and a wedding, and now you're just discarded. Your father can still make you happy. So forget him forever."

A middle-aged man placed a newspaper on the table, massaging his temples, which ached because Shabila, his daughter, suddenly announced that she wanted to stay at home for a while. Bryan had completely ignored her.

In fact, he hadn't come home last night.

When he did return, he had visible bruises on his body. Of course, Shabila couldn't accept Bryan's betrayal, even though she herself was not a perfect woman.

However, Shabila had repented and focused on making Bryan happy. Unfortunately, all her sacrifices were in vain.

So, what was the point of maintaining a marriage with a man who didn't give her any happiness at all?

Even Bryan's parents didn't appreciate her position in the house.

Instead of holding her back when she left the house, Mariana simply let her go without asking why or what had happened, taking all her belongings with her.

"Leave it to your father; I've resigned myself to what's left of my life. Even if I tried to hold on to Bryan, it feels impossible because he truly doesn't consider me anymore. So, what's the point of maintaining a marriage with him, right?"

Trying to appear fine, Shabila got up from her seat. "Well, that's enough. I'll take care of the divorce papers from Bryan and try to calm my mind."

"Where are you going?" The middle-aged man was suspicious that Shabila might return to her old ways, causing her life to spiral out of control.

"I'm going to handle the divorce with Bryan. Didn't I say that already?"

"No, what does your father mean is where are you going? Because earlier, you said you wanted to calm your mind first. Dad doesn't need to know where I'm going. But one thing I can say is that I can take care of myself."

The middle-aged man wanted to stop her, but Shabila had already walked away, leaving his office. The man let out a long sigh, allowing Shabila to go. He was prepared to hear if his daughter returned to her old ways.

He couldn't even get angry because Shabila was his only daughter, so he had to accept all her wayward behavior.

His intention to marry Shabila to Bryan, in his mind, could bring about a positive change, but it had only made his daughter's life more chaotic.

It wasn't entirely Bryan's fault; he had made mistakes in raising his child. However, a father's hope was for his child to change, even if it happened slowly.

"Sha, if you do foolish things out there again, never come back here!" He gave her a warning before Shabila left his office.

"Whatever, Dad, say whatever you want. I'm fed up and really need some entertainment right now. I hope Dad understands that I need to break free from Bryan completely. As you know, despite how annoying he is, I really love him."

Closing the door to her father's office.

Although there was no permission granted, Shabila didn't want to waste any more time. Her mind needed refreshing right now. Dealing with the divorce? It didn't seem important at the moment. Getting divorced, whether with formal papers or not, she had left that house, meaning there was no chance for Bryan to return to her.

She preferred to live a free life like before, without constraints. Without love or attention, it was better than surrendering to a man who didn't acknowledge her at all.

The corners of Shabila's lips lifted, and she gazed at the metallic black car parked in the garage. She had ignored her beloved luxury car for a long time. Since marrying Bryan, she had reluctantly left behind all the facilities her father had provided, all for the sake of chasing a love that turned out to be nothing but an illusion.

With considerable speed, Shabila drove through the streets, looking for a place she used to visit to release all her stress and suffocation.

Dancing under the flashing lights and booming music. While sipping on intoxicating drinks, she completely forgot about Bryan, who had been her reason to become a better woman.

Here, Shabila didn't want to blame Bryan; he had truly shattered the principles of her improved life. If only that day Bryan hadn't betrayed her, she wouldn't have returned to this dark path now.

The splendor of the nightlife was captivating once more. Shabila didn't stop drinking alcohol, completely losing herself. Allowing some men to touch her, joining in the dance.