No turning back

Maria froze for a moment before turning to him with a scornful look. “What’s gotten into you today? Whatever game you’re playing, I don’t want any part of it. You made it clear last night that you don’t want me here, and I don’t want to stay in a place filled with awful memories.”

Her words struck him like a slap. For the first time, Maria was letting her pain show.

“I’ll expedite the paperwork,” she added, her voice calm but laced with finality. “Once the annulment is official, I’ll be gone, and you can marry the love of your life.”

She didn’t look back, no matter how many times he called her name. If this had been any other moment in her life, she might have stopped. But she’d had enough. Losing herself for someone who didn’t value her wasn’t worth it. Letting go was the only path to peace and dignity.

A low hum of an engine pulled Thompson’s attention to the driveway. A sleek red Ferrari parked by the gate, and out stepped a stunning woman dressed in the latest trends, her black hair glistening as it caught the sunlight.

Thompson’s stomach churned. This wasn’t how he’d imagined this day would end.

Maria didn’t even glance back as she dragged her suitcase toward the waiting car. The woman who emerged from the red Ferrari gave her a wide, almost predatory smile.

“Maria, darling!” the woman called, her voice a mix of syrupy sweetness and smugness.

Maria hesitated for a brief moment, her grip tightening on the handle of her suitcase. “Sara,” she said curtly, her tone void of warmth.

Sara was the very image of wealth and privilege—perfect makeup, designer clothes, and an air of superiority that could fill a room. Thompson watched from the doorway, his fists clenched at his sides. Sara’s arrival was the last thing he needed.

“Well, look at you,” Sara continued, circling Maria with a critical eye. “You’ve always had this... simple charm. I guess that’s why Mr. Thompson Senior liked you so much.” Her words were sharp, and her smile never quite reached her eyes.

Maria didn’t bite. She adjusted her suitcase and nodded politely. “I’m glad you came. I was hoping to be gone before you arrived, but this works just as well. Take care, Sara.”

As Maria turned to place her suitcase in the trunk, Sara shot Thompson a sly look. “Really, Thompson? You’re letting this one go? I thought you had better judgment than this.”

Thompson stepped forward, his jaw tight. “Sara, not now.” Maria had always known Sara had an argumentative relationship with Thompson which she never understood. She just knew their family knew each other for along time.

“Not now?” Sara laughed, a melodic sound that dripped with mockery. “Oh, come on. You’ve been waiting for this moment, haven’t you? Or are you having second thoughts now that she’s walking away?” The sight of Thompson’s face was something Sara had never seen before. There was that sorry look at the same time the face of losing something important while helpless. She was happy to see Thompson like this. He never allowed himself to loose but this time time something see different.” What you don’t want and appreciate  others will. Ill-look for a better match for her. Watch me!” She said triumphantly and turned to walk to her car.

Maria paused, her back still to him. She didn’t want to hear this—didn’t want to know if there was a shred of truth to Sara’s words.

“You don’t understand anything,” Thompson snapped, his voice cold and distant. But there was that fear that crept inside of him. He knew he doesn’t love her but in his eyes, she was more precious right  now than anything in the world. No one can take her place in his world unless he wants to. He knew he was going to be shameless and put his pride aside to win her over to get his property back. Or else he will have to use force but he was hoping  it will never get to that

Sara raised a perfectly arched brow, amusement dancing in her eyes. “Oh, I understand plenty. You always want what you can’t have. Isn’t that right, darling?”

Maria couldn’t stand it anymore. She slammed the trunk shut and turned to face them both, her expression unreadable.

“Sara, thank you for reminding me why I’m leaving,” she said, her tone calm but firm. Then, turning her gaze to Thompson, she added, “And you... whatever happens next, just remember this was your choice. Not mine.”

With that, Maria slid into the driver’s seat of the car, her fingers gripping the wheel tightly. Sara made a move to follow, but Maria stopped her with a pointed look. “I don’t need an audience, Sara.” The bewildered look on Sara’s face made Thompson smile a bit but only for a sec. It was rare to see Sara lose face but she didn't really care. She knew she went too far and her friend got upset.

The engine roared to life, and moments later, Maria was gone. The red Ferrari disappeared down the long driveway, leaving a cloud of dust in its wake. Looking at the disappearing car Sara was more stunned. “ What?! She was serious this. Hey Maria, you cant just leave me here. Its my car. You are heartless you know?” She shouted loudly at the speeding car but it never stopped rather disappeared completely from their sight.

For a long moment, Thompson just stood there, his mind racing. He felt hollow, a mixture of anger, regret, and confusion swirling inside him. Sara broke the silence with a sigh.

“Well, that was dramatic,” she said, smoothing her hair. “But honestly, Thompson, she wasn’t really your type anyway.”

He turned on her, his eyes blazing. “Sara, don’t ever talk about her like that again.”

Sara blinked in surprise, momentarily thrown off balance. “Well, someone’s touchy today. Fine, suit yourself.” She smirked, leaning closer. “But if you’re done licking your wounds, give me a call. We both know who belongs by your side.”  She laughed sarcastically as she took her phone from the side pocket of her jacket and called for a cab. Thompson did not give her the courtesy of waited with and walked back to his mansion. Looking at his lonely back Sara wondered if the heartless man has really fallen for her friend. It would be really a tragic story if he did.

Thompson mind was playing tricks on him.  Maria’s parting words echoed in his mind, louder than anything else: This was your choice. Not mine.This words kept on playing at the back of his head while his heart ached.

He didn’t know why it hurt so much—why watching her leave felt like losing more than just a marriage.