Chapter 40: Worse fear
Ethan reached Mara’s office, but he didn’t bother knocking. He pushed the door open, his presence filling the room as he stepped inside. Mara looked up from her desk, her expression calm but guarded. She didn’t seem surprised to see him.
"Ethan," she said, her voice steady. "What do you want?"
He slammed the torn papers onto her desk, his eyes blazing. "What is this, Mara? Do you think you can just end us like this? Without even talking to me?"
Mara leaned back in her chair, her gaze unwavering. "I already talked to you, Ethan. I told you what I wanted. You didn’t listen."
"I’m listening now," he said, his voice softening. "Mara, please. Don’t do this. We can fix this. I’ll do whatever it takes."
Mara stood, her hands resting on the desk as she met his gaze. "You can’t fix this, Ethan. Some things are broken beyond repair. And this... this is one of them."
Ethan’s chest tightened, his desperation growing. "I love you, Mara. You’re my wife. I’m not giving up on us."
Mara’s eyes flicked to the torn papers on her desk, then back to him. "You already did, Ethan. The moment you fell in love with my best friend, you gave up on us. Now, please leave."
"You’re still angry. I get that," Ethan said, his voice softer than before. "But Mara, I’ll give you space—whatever you need."
He exhaled, searching her face for any sign of hope. But she remained still, her expression unreadable.
"Forget about the divorce," he continued, his tone turning firm. "I already fired the person who drafted the papers, and anyone else who tries to represent you will meet the same fate." He stepped closer, his eyes dark with resolve. "You are mine, Mara. And in this lifetime, you can only be mine."