Hell burned before my eyes. It wasn't a fiery pit, but the towering, delicious man my life revolved around, divorce papers clutched in his hand. The deep blue of his eyes burned colder than Arctic glaciers, pinning me with an intensity more dangerous than hate. I felt like nothing but filth.
“Sign them. Now.”
He threw the papers onto the bed. They fluttered, taunting me with the word "Divorce." My blood ran cold. A deafening knell of doom echoed in my ears, but I was frozen. I refused to believe this was happening. I'd never deluded myself into thinking Ezekiel loved me, but I believed we could tolerate each other. Perhaps I was blinded by love.
“You cannot just order me to end this marriage, Ezekiel,” I said, my voice trembling. “I am not your employee. I am your wife, and I deserve consideration. I just buried my grandmother three hours ago. I am grieving.”
A cruel glint entered his eyes as he tilted his head. “What makes you think you deserve that? I have no time for this, Kamille. Sign the papers. Don't piss me off.”
Fear shot through me—fear not just for myself, but for the innocent baby growing in my womb, a baby he knew nothing about. My trembling hand rested on my abdomen, unnoticed by him.
“I will not sign them,” I said, my voice strengthening.
He chuckled, the room growing colder. He ran a hand through his dark hair, disrupting his slicked-back style, then loosened his tie. A throbbing vein pulsed in his forehead, promising an eruption of rage.
“You will sign them, Kamille,” he said darkly. “Your grandmother was the only thing holding us together. Now she’s dead, thank God, and this marriage will follow her.”
Tears blurred my vision. How could he speak of her so cruelly? She was barely cold in her grave.
“Don’t blame my grandmother for your decisions,” I whispered. “You’re doing this because of Ellen. You never got over her, did you? After three years of marriage—”
“Shut your fucking mouth, Kamille!” He slammed his fists on the mattress. “You have no right to mention her! She’s the woman I’ve always loved! You’re a free-loader! You can resist, but I will make you sign these papers.”
He was unhinged. His anger, usually cold and still like the sea hiding vicious creatures, was now a raging tempest. How could I love such a man? Our marriage was arranged, but from the moment I saw him, I was captivated. He was powerful, influential, and confident—a man women craved. I fell helplessly, unaware he was already with Ellen, my half-sister.
She was a skilled violinist, elegant, and famous—a white swan. But her true self was terrible, twisted, and ugly. Only I saw it. Ellen was studying in France when I became engaged to Ezekiel. His grandfather and my grandmother were lovers, unable to be together, and bound themselves through their children, becoming best friends. I fulfilled my grandmother's dying wish. Ezekiel married me to become CEO of the Reid Conglomerate—a deal made when we were children, after my adoption into the Manor family.
“You used me. And this is how you end things? No regard for my grief, no respect—?”
“Oh, he’s given you plenty of respect, Kamille,” a nauseating voice interrupted. Ellen, my half-sister and archenemy, stood in the doorway. “If it were up to me, this would have been over ages ago! Isn’t that right, baby?”
She smiled at Ezekiel, stepping into his arms. His rage instantly vanished, replaced by serenity.
“You’re far more effective with difficult leeches, baby,” he said, holding her close.
My heart felt crushed. Ellen massaged his muscles. “You’re so tense. What kind of woman did you get mixed up with?” She gave me a contemptuous glance. “Let me kiss it better.”
She kissed him passionately, devouring him right in front of me. Tears streamed down my face.
I had no place in this marriage. I could refuse to sign, but I couldn’t stop their humiliation. My unborn child didn’t deserve this home. Only once had Zeke and I shared this bedroom. He was drunk, and forced himself on me. I remembered the pain, the violation—but love blinded me to the monster he was. I'd held him, crying, as he whispered Ellen's name. A part of my soul died that night. He remembered nothing. But my child was a living reminder. I would give him my all. I had to give Zeke what he wanted: a divorce.
I picked up the pen and papers. They paused their kiss, triumphant.
Ellen snorted. “Not so difficult now, is it? Everyone’s waiting for Grandma’s will.”
I ignored her, wiping my sweaty palms. When I finished, I dropped the pen. My voice was strong.
“You won’t see me again, Ezekiel. I’ll get my things tonight.”
He barely acknowledged me. I picked up the fragments of my heart and walked out.