Chapter 5: I’ll divorce him

Caroline’s Point of View

After that confrontation, I didn’t go home. Instead, I drive up to my childhood home, the familiar sight of the grand estate hitting me like a wave. The mansion looms large surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens filled with vibrant flowers and towering trees. It’s a palace, really—a testament to my family’s wealth, with marble columns and intricate wrought-iron balconies. The sprawling driveway is lined with palm trees that sway gently in the breeze, and as I park my car, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia.

The moment I step inside, the cool air wraps around me, carrying the faint scent of fresh lilies from the grand foyer. The crystal chandelier sparkles above, casting a warm glow over the opulent space filled with elegant furniture and priceless artwork. I used to love how my parents filled this house with laughter and love. But now, it feels like a sanctuary I’ve neglected since marrying Knoxx.

“Sweetheart?” My father’s voice calls out from the living room, where he’s seated in his favorite leather armchair. He looks up, surprise etching his features. “Is that you?”

“Dad,” I reply, forcing a smile as I walk toward him. The warmth in his eyes makes my heart ache. “I didn’t expect to be here either.”

He stands, crossing the room in long strides, and pulls me into a tight embrace. “You look beautiful, but you’ve lost weight. Are you eating properly?” He pulls back slightly, studying my face with concern.

“I’m fine, Dad,” I say, though the words feel heavy on my tongue. “I just… needed some time away.”

He furrows his brow, clearly not satisfied. “You rarely come home since you married that man. I regret agreeing to that ‘deal.’ I should have fought harder to keep you close. I don’t know why you pushed me to agree that we should keep it a secret that you’re my daughter.”

“Dad, please.” I gently squeeze his hand, trying to reassure him. “I wanted to make things work. But  Knoxx… he’s not the man I thought he was.”

“What do you mean?” His voice sharpens, and I know he senses the shift in my tone.

Sitting down across from him, I take a deep breath. “He cheated… on me, Dad.”

The silence that follows is suffocating. I can see his jaw clenching as anger flares in his eyes. “That bastard! I’ll kill him! How dare he treat you this way?”

“Calm down,” I urge, trying to quell the storm brewing inside him. “I don’t want you to do anything rash. It’s complicated.”

“Complicated?” He laughs bitterly. “There’s nothing complicated about infidelity! You deserve better than this! You deserve to be treated like the princess you are!”

I look down, guilt washing over me. “I thought I could make him love me. I thought… things would change. But they haven’t. I’ve been living a lie.”

He sighs heavily, running a hand through his salt-and-pepper hair. “You should divorce him, at least. There’s no need to stay in an unhappy marriage. Your mother wouldn’t want to see you like this, struggling with a man who doesn’t appreciate you.”

Tears prick my eyes at the mention of my mother. She always dreamed of seeing me happy and settled in a loving marriage. “I just feel like I’ve let both of you down. I married a man who could never love me back.”

My father’s gaze softens, and he reaches across the table, taking my hands in his. “You’ve never let us down. You are our daughter, and we love you unconditionally. Whatever happens, I’m here for you.”

“I know, Dad,” I whisper, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. “I just wish things could be different. I thought marrying Knoxx would bring me happiness, but all I feel is emptiness.”

After a long pause and we both calm down, I decide to share a joke about what Knoxx said during our last conversation. “He even mistaken you for my lover, Dad. Can you believe that?”

His eyes blaze with fury again. “What? That cheating scoundrel! He has the audacity to twist the situation like that? He cheats on you, and then tries to make it seem like you’re the problem?”

“I know it’s ridiculous,” I say, shaking my head. “But he just doesn’t care.”

My father stands, pacing the room with an intensity that makes the air feel heavy. “This man is toxic. He needs to be held accountable for his actions. I’ll investigate this woman he’s with and find out what she has that he’s so obsessed with.”

“Please, Dad! Don’t do that.” I rise from my seat, stepping in front of him, my heart racing. His anger and concern are palpable, and I can see how deeply this is affecting him. “I understand your concern, but this is between Knoxx and me. I don’t want to stoop to that level.”

He stops, running a hand through his hair, frustration mingling with a father’s love. “But you’re my daughter, and you’re hurting. I can’t just stand by and watch you suffer because of him. You deserve so much better than this. All I wish is for you to divorce him because that man is trash.”

I feel a lump in my throat, the weight of his words pressing down on me. “I know you want to protect me,” I say, my voice trembling slightly, “but I need to handle this on my own. I can’t just run back home every time things get tough.”

He takes a deep breath, his gaze softening as he looks at me. “I raised you to be strong, but strength doesn’t mean you have to endure pain alone. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is let go of what’s hurting you.”

My father steps closer, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “I just want you to be happy. You deserve a life filled with love, not betrayal. Don’t let his choices dictate your worth.”

I meet his gaze, seeing the sincerity and concern reflected in his eyes. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, Dad. I really do. I just need some time to figure this out.”

He nods, his expression shifting from frustration to understanding. “I’ll always be here for you, no matter what you decide. Just promise me you won’t let him drag you down any longer.”

“I promise…” I whisper, taking a moment to consider everything before I take a deep breath. “I will divorce him.”