After lunch, Lara resumed her classes, her focus shifting entirely to her Kindergarten 2 students. By the time her last class ended at 4 PM, she was exhausted. Once all the students had been picked up, she returned to the faculty room to pack her things. As she pulled out her phone to check for messages, her breath hitched slightly at the sight of an unread text—from an unknown number. She tapped on it. Unknown Number: It’s Reagan. Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. She had expected Duke to send her Reagan’s number, not for Reagan to reach out himself. Before she could type a response, another message came through. Reagan: Duke said you wanted my number. What for? Lara stared at her screen, a nervous flutter settling in her stomach. She bit her lip before quickly typing back. Lara: I just wanted to thank you properly for last night. I’d like to make it up to you. Maybe I can treat you to coffee? A few seconds passed before his reply appeared. Reagan: You don’t have to. Lara f
The next day, Lara went about her usual routine. She showered, got dressed, and left for work without seeing even a glimpse of Lucas. She had no idea what time he had come home last night or when he had left this morning. By now, she should’ve been used to it. But some wounds never truly heal.Pushing the thoughts aside, Lara focused on the day ahead.Work kept her occupied. As always, her students were a welcome distraction, their bright smiles and endless energy filling the hours with warmth. She spent the day guiding them through their lessons, laughing at their silly antics, and gently correcting their mistakes.By the time classes ended, Lara was in the waiting area with the children who were still waiting to be picked up. The late afternoon sun bathed the playground in gold, casting long shadows as parents slowly arrived, one by one, to collect their kids.Just as she knelt to tie a little girl’s shoelace, her phone vibrated in the pocket of her skirt.She finished tying the bo
Grabbing her purse, Lara straightened her shoulders, took one last look in the mirror, and walked out the door.The night air was cool as she locked both the main door and the gate, the familiar click echoing in the quiet street. She inhaled deeply, steadying herself before heading to her car.As she slid into the driver’s seat and started the engine, she entered the restaurant’s name into Google Maps. The drive took longer than expected due to traffic, leaving her tapping her fingers on the steering wheel impatiently. By the time she pulled into the parking area of Discovery Suites, it was already a quarter to six. She wasn’t late, but she didn’t have much time to collect herself before the dinner. Not that she needed to—it was just a simple meal, after all.Still, as she stepped out of the car and adjusted the strap of her purse over her shoulder, she couldn’t shake off the strange flutter in her stomach. Looking up, she took in the towering structure of Discovery Suites, its sleek
After scanning through the selections, they placed their orders. Reagan ordered a premium Wagyu dish, while Lara opted for seared salmon with truffle mashed potatoes. They also settled on a shared appetizer and a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon to complement their meal.As the waiter left, Lara relaxed into her seat, half-expecting silence to stretch between them. After all, she and Reagan were barely acquaintances. She wasn’t sure what to say to him—or if she should say anything at all.But surprisingly, Reagan was the one to break the silence first.“How was work?” he asked, casually swirling the water in his glass.Lara blinked at the unexpected question before answering, “Oh. It was… good. The kids kept me busy.”“You work at a preschool, right?”She nodded. “Yes. It’s a small private school, but I love it there.”Reagan hummed, as if considering her words carefully. “Not many people have the patience for children.”Lara smiled slightly. “They’re easier to understand than most adults
When her card was returned, they left the restaurant and stepped out onto the bustling city street. The evening air was cool, and the sound of the city filled the space around them—the distant hum of traffic, occasional laughter from people passing by, the rhythmic clicking of Lara’s heels against the pavement. Despite the silence between them, it wasn’t uncomfortable. Reagan walked at a steady pace beside her, his hands in his pockets, his posture relaxed. After a few minutes, they arrived at a nearby park nestled between high-rise buildings. The lamplights cast a soft glow over the cobblestone paths, and a gentle breeze stirred the trees, rustling their leaves in a quiet symphony. Lara shivered slightly, realizing too late that she had nothing to shield her from the cool air. Before she could react, she felt something warm drape over her shoulders. Startled, she glanced down and saw a familiar black coat. She looked up at Reagan, eyes wide. “Oh. You don’t have—” “You looked c
Lara pulled into the driveway, cutting the engine as she let out a slow breath. The warm glow of the living room lights seeped through the curtains, confirming what she already suspected.Lucas was home.The happiness she had felt earlier—the lightness from her evening with Reagan—slowly dissipated, replaced by an unsettling unease. There was no reason to feel guilty. She hadn’t done anything wrong. And yet, a strange nervousness settled in her chest.Taking a steadying breath, she grabbed her bag and draped Reagan’s coat over her arm before stepping out of the car. The sound of her heels clicking against the garage floor echoed faintly as she walked toward the front door.As soon as she entered the house, she caught sight of Lucas in the living room. He was sitting on the couch, dressed comfortably in a plain white shirt and gray sweatpants, his laptop open on the coffee table in front of him. His fingers moved across the keyboard before he suddenly stopped, looking up as if sensing
The next morning, Lara slipped into her routine as if nothing had changed.She showered, dressed in comfortable clothes, and headed downstairs to the kitchen. The house was quiet—just as it always was in the mornings.She tied her hair up into a loose ponytail and got to work, preparing a simple breakfast. Pancakes, fried eggs, and freshly brewed coffee. It was almost automatic now, the way her hands moved—measuring, flipping, plating. She wasn’t even sure if Lucas would eat, but she made enough for both of them anyway.She had just set the table and was pouring coffee into two mugs when she heard footsteps behind her. Turning slightly, she saw Lucas entering the kitchen. Dressed in a crisp white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, black slacks, and a neatly knotted tie, he looked every bit the man she had married.For a fleeting moment, her gaze lingered. It was an old habit, one she hadn’t quite shaken. But just as quickly, she pulled herself back to reality.“Good
After her last class, Lara decided to stop by the mall to buy a birthday gift for Lucas’s mother.Evelyn—her mother-in-law, had always loved designer bags. Lara had seen her collection over the years—luxurious, timeless pieces, each carefully chosen. Wanting to give her something she would genuinely like, Lara spent the next hour browsing high-end boutiques, examining different styles, colors, and materials before finally settling on a white Hermès Birkin. It was a safe choice—sophisticated and understated. Something Evelyn would appreciate.Without hesitation, she took it to the counter, paid for it, and waited as the staff carefully wrapped the bag in its signature orange box. Once the transaction was complete, she took the shopping bag in hand and made her way toward the exit.But just as she turned to leave, something across the walkway caught her eye. Lara slowed her steps, her heart hammering against her ribs as she took a closer look.And then her feet stopped altogether.It’s
Lara made her way to one of the guest rooms down the hall. As soon as she closed the door behind her, the numbness cracked, letting the ache crawl back in. She sat on the edge of the bed, then laid down, staring at the ceiling. It’s over, she thought. It’s finally over.She had said the words that needed to be said. She had chosen herself. She should’ve felt victorious—free. And in a way, she did. But freedom, she was learning, could feel a lot like grief.Her chest felt hollow. Not because she regretted it—but because it still hurt. Despite everything Lucas had done, despite the way she had been treated, she had still fought to keep the marriage alive, and now, it was slipping through her fingers. The reality of it was almost too much to bear. She could feel the rawness of the grief bubbling up, and before she knew it, tears were streaming down her cheeks.Her heart wept—not for Lucas, but for herself, for the woman she had been all these years—fighting for a love that would never
Lucas just stood there, his hands clenched into fists at his sides, his posture tense. His usual cold, impassive mask was cracking, but Lara didn’t care to decipher the emotions beneath it. She had already made her decision. This wasn’t for him—it was for herself.A few moments passed before Lucas finally spoke. “Lara...” His voice was quieter than she expected, almost hesitant. “You don’t mean that.”Lara stared at him, disbelief etched across her face.What’s this? Why was he acting like this? Wasn’t this what he wanted all along? Didn't he spend years tormenting her—making it clear that he never wanted this marriage—just so she’d give up? And now that she’s finally giving him his freedom, he’s acting like this isn’t what he wanted?What kind of bullshit is this?Don’t read into this, Lara. Her mind warned. Don’t let him confuse you. He’s just probably making sure that you’re serious. This is a game. Don’t fall for it.A bitter smile curled on her lips. “I do mean it, Lucas,” she sa
Lara’s words hung heavily in the air, thick with finality. Lucas didn’t move, didn’t speak—he just stood there, staring at her as if she had spoken a foreign language he couldn’t comprehend.“What?” His voice was hoarse, almost disbelieving.Lara exhaled, a small, sad smile on her lips. “I’m giving you what you want, Lucas. I’m setting you free.”Lucas shook his head slightly, his brows furrowing. “Lara, you’re drunk. Let’s finish this conversation tomorrow.” His voice was low, cautious, almost… avoiding.“No.” Lara met his gaze with unwavering resolve. “I’m completely sober, Lucas.”Silence stretched between them.“I’ve finally come to terms with reality,” she continued, voice steadier now. “There’s no fixing this marriage. I can’t keep holding on to you just because I love you when you’re longing for someone else.” Her heart clenched. “I don’t want to be in pain anymore.” Her admission came out in a whisper, raw and fragile.Lucas’ throat bobbed, his jaw tightening, but he remained
Once they were away from prying eyes, she finally gathered the courage to glare up at him. “You can put me down now. No one’s watching.” she muttered. Lucas didn’t listen. Instead, he carried her all the way upstairs, straight to his room. Only then did he finally set her down on the bed. Lara immediately scooted away, putting distance between them. “Thanks. You can leave now.” Silence. For a moment, she thought he would simply walk out. But instead, his voice broke through the quiet. “Are you feeling okay?” Lara almost scoffed. Of all the things he could ask, he chose that? She lifted her gaze to him, searching his face for any trace of sincerity. But she couldn’t find it. Was this still part of his act? Did he actually care… or was he just pretending again? A bitter laugh escaped her lips as she shook her head. “Why are you asking, Lucas?” she said, voice laced with quiet pain. “It’s not like you actually care.” Lucas’ jaw tightened. He didn’t answer, but the flicker in
The party was an intimate affair, filled with close family and friends. Lara was pleasantly surprised to find her own parents there, already seated at one of the tables. She made her way toward them, settling beside her mother, while Lucas followed suit, taking the seat beside her, but they barely spoke. It was easy enough to avoid each other with so many people around, and for that, Lara was grateful.And despite the ache in her chest, she found herself enjoying the celebration. The simple gathering, the laughter, the casual conversations—it was nice.At some point, Lily dragged her away to join their cousins and friends at a separate table. The group was lively, taking turns singing karaoke and clinking their glasses together in celebration.“You’re drinking with us tonight,” Lily declared with a mischievous grin.Lara hesitated. “I don’t think—”“Please, Ate Lara. Just one drink!”Lara had really no intention of drinking, but after much persuasion from Lily and the others, she fina
As Lara stepped outside, she made sure to lock both the main door and the gate. When she turned, she found Lucas standing beside his car, his hands in his pockets.She hesitated for a moment.Why was he just standing there?Lucas had never waited for her before. Had never once shown any concern about whether she got in the car first or not. Usually, he would already be seated inside, engine running, as if eager to be anywhere but near her.Brushing the thought aside, Lara reached for the passenger door handle. Just as her fingers curled around it, another hand landed on the handle at the same time. The unexpected contact sent an involuntary jolt through her, and for a moment, she stilled. She looked up at him, her brows knitting together in confusion.What is he doing?Lucas met her gaze, something unreadable flashing in his dark eyes before he silently withdrew his hand. It was as if he had been about to open the door for her.Lara swallowed the lump in her throat, composing herself.
The day passed by in a blur, and before Lara knew it, Friday had arrived.She was in the faculty room, gathering her things after her last class, when her phone buzzed with a message.Lucas: I’ll pick you up at 6.She stared at the screen for a moment, then locked her phone without responding. What was the point? He was merely informing her, not asking. There was no room for discussion.“Heading home already?” one of her co-teachers asked as she slung her bag over her shoulder.“Yeah, I have an event to go to tonight.” she said, managing a small smile. “I'll see you all on Monday. Have a good weekend.”They exchanged quick goodbyes before she made her way to the parking lot, sliding into her car and driving home.As soon as she arrived, she headed straight to her bedroom. The dress she had set aside that morning hung neatly inside her closet. She reached for it and let out a slow breath.Tonight was going to be difficult.She pushed the thought aside and slipped into the dress—a simpl
Lara drove home in a daze, her grip on the steering wheel weak, her mind clouded with thoughts she couldn’t silence. The pain still lingered like a fresh wound, throbbing in her chest with every breath. By the time she pulled into the driveway, exhaustion had settled deep in her bones, her face still damp from the silent tears she had shed during the drive. Her eyes were swollen, her heart heavy.That night, she made a decision.She wouldn’t run anymore. She wouldn’t stay silent.For so long, she had been avoiding the inevitable, afraid of the answers she might receive. But tonight, she was done pretending that everything was fine. She was done hoping for something that would never come.She was going to talk to Lucas.She wanted answers. A real conversation. A chance to finally lay everything out in the open.Lara sat on the couch, waiting. The ticking of the clock was the only sound that filled the empty house. Every passing minute chipped away at the last fragments of her patience.
After her last class, Lara decided to stop by the mall to buy a birthday gift for Lucas’s mother.Evelyn—her mother-in-law, had always loved designer bags. Lara had seen her collection over the years—luxurious, timeless pieces, each carefully chosen. Wanting to give her something she would genuinely like, Lara spent the next hour browsing high-end boutiques, examining different styles, colors, and materials before finally settling on a white Hermès Birkin. It was a safe choice—sophisticated and understated. Something Evelyn would appreciate.Without hesitation, she took it to the counter, paid for it, and waited as the staff carefully wrapped the bag in its signature orange box. Once the transaction was complete, she took the shopping bag in hand and made her way toward the exit.But just as she turned to leave, something across the walkway caught her eye. Lara slowed her steps, her heart hammering against her ribs as she took a closer look.And then her feet stopped altogether.It’s