Katya

The door shut softly behind him, and I pushed my face into the pillow to stop him from hearing the sobs that racked through my body. I didn't think that I had any left in me, but I did it. I put my foot down because it would never end if I didn't. The more I gave, the more he took. After six years of giving, it left me heartbroken and empty.

I blindly reached for the box of tissues and ripped several out. His lacklustre response severed my heart. The fact that I ’ d made his favourite dish for dinner and dressed for the occasion, hoping for quality time with him, caused my anger to push past the hurt. For hours, I sat in a daze before deciding my subsequent actions.

I dried my tears for the millionth time and blew my nose. I winced at the touch. My nostrils were raw from blowing my nose. I pulled my phone out from beneath my pillow to text Eliza.

Me: I did it. I told him that I wanted a divorce .

Eliza: What was his response?

Me: I think he was in shock, but I refused to speak to him and kicked him out of the bedroom .

Eliza: I don't blame you, babe. I’m sorry you're going through this. I’m here for you. Anything you need, it’s yours .

My tears resumed at her words.

Me: And I love you for it. Thank you for letting me stay with you .

Eliza: It will be like the old days. I can't wait .

I smiled sadly at her words. I didn't feel like the old me. For years, I ’ ve been Mrs. Winthorpe, the millionaire's wife. My identity paled in comparison to his and became muted in the background. I met Eliza at our University, and we shared a dorm room. She knew and remembered a version of me that was now alien to me.

I lay awake thinking of our families and the fallout that was sure to happen. I signed a prenuptial agreement, which was standard for the Winthorpes to protect their company. My mother-in-law had signed a similar document. She confided in me once we grew closer. My lips trembled, and more tears fell as I recalled the numerous times she had mentioned grandchildren.

It was never the right time for Seth. Initially, I respected his wish to wait until they expanded the company, but I was still waiting three years later. As much as I loved Seth, it was time to remember to love myself.

My phone lit up in the dark room, and I read Eliza’s message.

Eliza: Are you okay?

Me: No, but I will be one day . Goodnight, love. X

I slipped my phone under my pillow and lay awake for hours before fatigue took over.

∞∞∞

I stood over the bannister at the top of the stairs to hear Seth and Saul bickering. They were trying to be quiet, but the only constant word I could hear was asshole. Despite my sleep deprivation, I smiled faintly. They might be twins, but Seth was Saul’s opposite in almost every way. Their shared interests were work and family. It took me a long time to get used to seeing my husband’s face on another man. Thankfully, despite being a fuckboy, Saul’s wandering eyes never settled on me.

I gave up trying to listen to their conversation and went to the main bathroom, where my toiletries still needed packing. Eliza would be here in a few hours, and I needed to shower away the stench of misery and despair. I took a deep breath and marched purposefully into the bathroom, not willing to revisit some of our sexy bathroom antics.

With a yawn, I lifted the lid and sat on the toilet. I heard a faint buzzing noise and saw a wasp. I yelped and instantly woke up. After trying to swat it away from me, I sighed in relief when it disappeared. Just as I began to relax enough to consider peeing, that’s when I felt the pain. I glanced down to my upper thigh, and the bastard had its stinger inside of me.

I jumped off the toilet, screaming while trying not to trip over my shorts and knickers. I shuffle-ran into the bedroom to see Seth and Saul standing there. This was Seth’s fault for leaving the window open.

“Wasp! It stung me. Get it off me,’ I screamed.

No one moved, and I realised why. I quickly covered my pussy with my hands but was too scared to look at the stung area.

“Close your eyes, you fucking pervert,” Seth seethed to Saul before slapping his hands over his brother’s eyes, who immediately tried to pull them away.

“I mean, you are practically divorced,” Saul said, making me gasp.

“You motherfucker!” Seth roared and dove on top of him, knocking him to the ground. “I should have finished you off when I had the chance.”

“I’m telling mum,” Saul choked out while Seth sat on top of him, strangling him.

I closed my eyes as a throbbing pain in my head matched the one near my hip. They were both grown-ass men. When I heard something break, I opened my eyes to see they had rolled into my dressing table. That’s when I saw the wilting flowers and small jewellery bag. Tear’s welled up in my eyes, and I shuffled back into the bathroom, uncaring of the wasp's location or that my naked ass was on display. I was invisible to the only man I’d ever loved.

A few moments later, the bathroom door opened, and Seth grabbed my arms.

“Where is it?” he asked, looking into my eyes.

I almost touched his bearded face at the concern in his chocolate-warm brown eyes. Until I remembered he didn't love me anymore. My lips trembled, but I pointed to my right hip. He dropped down to inspect the area.

“Is the wasp on my leg? Can you see the stinger?” I asked with a sniffle.

“No, it’s not here, baby,” he said as I felt him lightly touch the sting area.

Tears streamed down my face, but they had nothing to do with the pain in my leg. I hardened my heart and wiped away my tears before quietly thanking Seth. He hesitated but said nothing as he left the bathroom.

He couldn't have one meaningful conversation with me, knowing I was filing for a divorce. I swallowed the lump in my throat. This was the end of us. I looked at the brushed platinum and diamond wedding ring that adorned my finger for six years before I took it off.