Chapter 4

Evelyn's former grand mansion was now being pelted by a constant downpour outside the windows. Currently, it seemed like a tomb of unfulfilled commitments. She was in the large, dimly illuminated living area, encircled by her neatly arranged luggage. The quietness was overwhelming, except for the soft ticking of the old clock on the fireplace.

Sebastian reclined on the stylish leather couch across the room, exuding a sense of apathy that pierced her like a sharp knife. He held his phone, casually scrolling through messages with his thumb, treating the end of their marriage as a minor inconvenience instead of a heartbreaking betrayal.

Evelyn took a deep breath, gripping the handle of her suitcase with clenched fingers. She briefly had trouble seeing clearly as she looked around the room, admiring the luxurious decorations - the crystal chandeliers, the soft carpets, and the framed pictures from their wedding still hanging tauntingly on the walls.

"I have finalized the documents," she finally stated, her voice shaking but resolute.

Sebastian kept his eyes down. With his eyes focused on his phone's screen, he just gave a nod. Well. I will instruct my lawyer to address them right away.

She felt her stomach twist from his icy demeanor. She pondered, feeling the pain in her heart as she remembered the man she had loved, or believed she had loved.

"Is that the only thing you can say?" she inquired, with her voice getting a bit louder.

Sebastian eventually gazed at her, his mysterious dark eyes. "What else are you wishing for, Evelyn?" You've already consumed a significant amount of my time.

The words stung her like a physical blow, but she wouldn't allow him to witness her vulnerability. "Did you waste your time?" she repeated, her voice trembling with hidden fury. Sebastian, three years of my life. Three years of attempting to salvage this marriage. Did you consider that a waste?

He raised his shoulders and leaned against the sofa. I never expected you to put in so much effort. You were aware of the situation.

Evelyn gasped for breath. She repeated, barely above a whisper, "What is this?" I provided you with all that I had. I adored you”

"He interrupted, raising his hand, signalling for the conversation to end. "Don't overreact, Evelyn." Both of us are aware that this marriage was a wrong decision.

She had tears in her eyes, but she held them back. She refused to let him see her tears of joy. She corrected her posture, raising her head to meet his gaze.

"Correct," she affirmed with a strong tone in her voice. "It was an error." The greatest error of my existence.

A flash of regret appeared in Sebastian's eyes momentarily, then vanished just as fast.

"Saying farewell, she uttered Sebastian's name and then headed towards the door." She was moving cautiously, taking her time, almost as if she was retreating from a battle that she had not completely conquered.

"Evelyn." His voice made her come to a sudden halt. She turned a little, looking back.

He told me to be thankful, his tone icy and sharp. Not all women have the privilege of leaving with the Rodgers name connected to their history.

Evelyn's mouth twisted into a sour grin. "You're correct, Sebastian. Not all women have the opportunity to leave. Some of them choose to remain and allow men such as yourself to bring about their destruction. However, I am an exception.

With that, she pivoted sharply and exited, leaving the impact of her words lingering in the atmosphere.

As she entered the cab, the rain penetrated her thin coat. As the driver assisted in putting her bags in the trunk, he gave Evelyn a sympathetic look, though she hardly acknowledged it. She got into the rear seat, clutching the hem of her coat tightly as she gazed at the vast estate for the final time.

While the car drove off, she experienced a strong blend of comfort and sadness. Relieved to be rid of the unhealthy marriage cycle, yet saddened by the shattered dreams she once held dear.

The mansion slowly disappeared in the distance, obscured by the rain, taking with it the life she had been familiar with for the last three years. Evelyn shut her eyes, resting her head on the cold glass of the window.

She murmured to herself, her hand resting securely on her stomach, "You'll be fine." "We will be fine."

She had no idea where she was going or what lay ahead, but she was sure of one thing: she was no longer allowing others to determine her value.

This marked the start of her journey.