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
The rest of breakfast passed with shallow conversation. Evelyn and Lily chatted about upcoming travel plans while Lara nodded politely, responding when needed, but mostly stayed quiet. Her mind was miles away.When the meal ended, she stood up and politely addressed the family.“Thank you for the breakfast, Mom, Dad. But I think I should be heading home.”“Oh, why so soon?” Evelyn frowned, touching her arm gently. “Can’t you and Lucas stay a bit longer? It’s so rare that we have you both here.”Lara’s expression softened. “I’m really sorry, Mom,” she said gently. “I have some work I need to get back to. Maybe next time.”The words tasted bitter as she said them. She hated lying—especially to them. Evelyn and Arthur had always treated her with kindness. They didn’t deserve this. But what could she say? That there wouldn’t be a next time? That their son and his wife were soon be annulled?No. Not today.Evelyn’s disappointment flickered in her eyes, but she gave a small nod. “All right.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Do not distribute, publish, transmit, modify, display or create derivative works from or exploit the contents of this story in any way. Please obtain permission.Content & Trigger Warning: This story contains mature themes, including explicit content, strong language, graphic violence, and other potentially distressing material. Reader discretion is advised. I do not promote, support, or romanticize any of the crimes or red flags depicted in this story—they are included solely for narrative purposes. Please approach these themes with an open mind while being mindful of potential triggers. Your well-being is important, so remember to take care of yourself before, during, and after reading.***PrologueLara’s gaze rem
December had just begun, and the air was colder than ever. The chill seeped through the walls, making the house feel emptier than usual. Lara sat curled up on the sofa, her laptop balanced on her lap as she worked on her lesson plans. The soft glow of the screen illuminated her face, but her eyes kept drifting toward the wall clock. 8:15 PM. Lucas should have been home by now. He usually arrived by eight, but lately, his schedule had become unpredictable. Some nights, he came home late. Other nights, not at all. She told herself not to overthink it—he was a busy man, after all. But deep down, worry gnawed at her, mingling with frustration. They barely saw each other as it was. And now, even the little time they had under the same roof was slipping away. It was ironic, really. They were married, yet they lived like strangers. She let out a sigh, trying to shake off the unease settling in her chest. Was he doing this on purpose? Avoiding her at all costs? Did he truly hate
The meal was silent and tasteless. She wasn’t even sure if she was full or just forcing herself to eat. Once she finished, she cleaned up, then returned to the living room to continue her lesson plans. But no matter how much she tried to concentrate, her mind kept drifting back to Lucas. Three years. Three long years since she and Lucas got married. And in all those years, nothing had changed. No, that wasn’t true. Things had changed. They had gotten worse. Their marriage was an empty shell—two people bound by paper, living under the same roof but in entirely different worlds. It was a cruel joke—a one-sided love story where she was the only fool still clinging to hope. Lucas had never treated her right. He never raised a hand against her, but his coldness was a different kind of torment. His words, his actions—everything was designed to push her away, to break her. And he had succeeded, countless times. And yet, she stayed. Why? Was it love? Or just an unhealthy obsession?
The school day had ended, and most of the children had already gone home. Lara sat in the waiting area, keeping an eye on the last few students still waiting for their guardians when a familiar voice called out to her. “Lara!” She turned just in time to see Ali striding toward her, her designer handbag swinging at her side. “Are you done with class? I’m dying for milk tea,” Ali announced dramatically, flipping her hair as if the mere thought of waiting any longer was unbearable. Lara chuckled, shaking her head at her best friend’s antics. Ali had been a handful, to say the least, ever since college, but over the years, Lara had learned to handle her quirks with patience. She was high-maintenance, outspoken, occasionally dramatic, and a little too confident for her own good, but beneath all that, she was sweet and fiercely loyal. Life was never boring with her around. Lara turned to her assistant. “Maera, can you stay with the kids while they wait for their parents?” Maera no
Lara forced a smile. “Enough, Ali. We’re fine, really. He’s just busy with work, so we don’t see each other much.” Ali scoffed. “Work? That’s the lamest excuse I’ve ever heard. Do you hear yourself? Look at you—you’re gorgeous, you’re kind, and you’re literally the perfect wife. Meanwhile, he’s out there being an emotionally constipated jerk. Seriously, what’s so special about him? If I were you, I’d find myself a lover. That would teach him a lesson.” Lara shot her a pointed look. “That’s never going to happen. You know how much I love Lucas.” Ali groaned dramatically. “God, you’re hopeless. You’re so in love with a walking red flag!” Lara stifled a laugh. “You sound more bitter than I do. You don’t even have a boyfriend.” She shrugged. “That’s because men are trash. It’s like they have collectively decided to be terrible. Even the ugly ones cheat! The audacity!” Before Ali could rant further, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and scowled. “Ugh, it’s my manager,
After dropping Ram off at her home, Lara decided to stop by the market to restock their groceries. Their supplies were running low, and she figured she might as well take care of it now before the weekend.The trip took longer than expected. Between picking out fresh produce, comparing prices, and waiting in the long checkout line, two hours had passed by the time she was done. By the time she arrived home, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow through the windows.Lara changed into more comfortable clothes before heading to the kitchen to put away the groceries. Once everything was sorted, she gathered the dirty laundry from both her room and Lucas’s and tossed them into the washing machine.As the clothes spun in the washer, Lara pulled out her phone from the pocket of her shorts and sent Lucas a message.Lara: What time are you coming home?She stared at the screen, waiting for the little “typing…” indicator that never appeared. It wasn’t surprising. Lucas rarely replie
The rest of breakfast passed with shallow conversation. Evelyn and Lily chatted about upcoming travel plans while Lara nodded politely, responding when needed, but mostly stayed quiet. Her mind was miles away.When the meal ended, she stood up and politely addressed the family.“Thank you for the breakfast, Mom, Dad. But I think I should be heading home.”“Oh, why so soon?” Evelyn frowned, touching her arm gently. “Can’t you and Lucas stay a bit longer? It’s so rare that we have you both here.”Lara’s expression softened. “I’m really sorry, Mom,” she said gently. “I have some work I need to get back to. Maybe next time.”The words tasted bitter as she said them. She hated lying—especially to them. Evelyn and Arthur had always treated her with kindness. They didn’t deserve this. But what could she say? That there wouldn’t be a next time? That their son and his wife were soon be annulled?No. Not today.Evelyn’s disappointment flickered in her eyes, but she gave a small nod. “All right.
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.