He Broke Me Into Pieces—So I Took Myself Back

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For the past five days, I had been confined to a hospital bed, my body wracked with fever as severe dengue slowly drained the strength out of me. My platelet count had dropped dangerously low, and every joint in my body felt as though it was being pulled apart from the inside. Yet even that physical agony was nothing compared to the way my husband, Nathaniel, treated me during those days.

I called him over and over againsometimes in tears, sometimes barely able to speakbut each time, my calls went unanswered. When he finally did respond, it was always through brief, detached messages that felt copied from the same excuse: he was occupied with the merger, overwhelmed with investors, and would come when he was free.

But he never came.

So, the moment I was discharged, I didnt go home. I told the driver to take me straight to his office instead.

When I arrived at the building, I went up to the top floor and stopped outside his office. The door was slightly open, just enough for voices to slip through. And that was when I heard everything that shattered what was left of my trust.

Your wifes been calling nonstop, Nathaniel. Arent you going to see her at the hospital? a womans voice asked.

I immediately recognized it. Ravenhis secretary.

I moved closer, my pulse pounding so loudly I could barely hear anything else.

Shes still not well, Raven continued, her tone falsely gentle, almost performative. The dengue hasnt improved. And I should probably admit something. Its my fault.

There was a brief silence, followed by the faint rustle of papers.

I placed a plant in her room, she added with a soft, uneasy laugh, as if she were telling a harmless joke. The kind that attracts mosquitoes. I didnt think it would lead to anything serious Im sorry. It wasnt intentional, I just thought it looked nice.

In that instant, every drop of blood in my body turned ice-cold.

Then Nathaniel laughed.

Not the laugh I once knewthe one that used to feel warm and familiarbut something sharper, detached, almost contemptuous.

You handled it well, he said casually. Honestly, it wouldve been better if she hadnt survived. I shouldve interfered when the hospital gave her blood transfusion, but I still need her for the merger. Once I get control of her shares, Ill divorce her. After that, we can finally stop hiding.

My hand flew to my mouth to keep myself from making a sound.

Ravens voice softened into something almost pleased. So you really are going to leave her for me?

Just be patient, Nathaniel replied. Not yet. I need a little more time until everything is finalized.

All right, she murmured, almost sulking. Then at least come here.

What followed was the sound of a kissslow, intimate, unmistakable.

I stood there frozen, not because my body was weak from illness, but because something far deeper inside me was collapsing. A rage so sharp and silent began spreading through my chest that it almost felt like I was breathing fire instead of air.

My trembling hands reached for my phone.

Where are you?

I typed the message and pressed send.

Inside the office, I watched Nathaniel pull away from Raven. He checked his phone with visible irritation, then quickly typed a reply.

My phone buzzed almost immediately.

Im in an important meeting. Dont disturb me.

My eyes lifted from the screen to the scene in front of me.

Meeting, I typed back, or are you busy entertaining your secretary?

The moment the message was sent, I saw his entire body go rigid.

Slowly, he looked up from his phone. His gaze moved toward the door.

And then he saw me.

I pushed the door open and walked inside.

Raven startled, stepping back as if she had been caught in something shameful. Almost instantly, she rearranged her expression into one of polished concern and rushed toward me.

Mrs. Amara! she said brightly, forcing a smile. Youre back already? We were just so overwhelmed with work because of the merger, Mr. Nathaniel has been

Youre fired, I said evenly.

The words were quiet, but they carried a weight that silenced the entire room.

Raven froze. W-what?

I dont want you working here anymore, I repeated, meeting her eyes without hesitation. Gather your things. Leave.

Her face paled before she quickly turned toward Nathaniel, desperation creeping into her voice. Sir, Ive been your secretary for two years. Ive handled everythingplease tell her

I am his wife, I cut in sharply, stepping closer until she instinctively backed away. Despite my weakened state, my presence didnt waver. And I own the largest share of this company. When I say youre gone, youre gone.

Nathaniels chair scraped loudly against the floor as he stood. This is ridiculous! he snapped, striding toward us. Shes my secretary, Amara. You dont get to barge in here and dismiss people like that!

He grabbed my wrist tightly.

Why are you even here causing a scene? he demanded. Is this about the hospital? I told you I was busy with the merger. Everything Ive been doing was for us, and youre acting like this over nothing while I was handling your responsibilities.

I stared at himat the man I had once built my entire world around.

And for the first time, I saw him clearly.

I pulled my arm free from his grip without effort.

The shock on his face was immediate.

But my clarity wasnt sudden. It had been building quietly for a long time.

For months, I had been swallowing suspicions, convincing myself I was imagining things, that I was just an insecure wife unable to understand his ambition.

But now, every memory came rushing back all at once.

All the times I had been left waitinglike an afterthought in my own marRavenge.

Our anniversary dinner where I sat alone for hours while he claimed he was dealing with a crisis with her.

The weekend trip he cancelled because Raven was emotionally overwhelmed and needed his attention.

The nights he came home late, carrying the faint trace of a sweet, unfamiliar perfume that I forced myself to ignore.

I had kept excusing everything. I had kept choosing denial over truth.

Until now.

The illness hadnt broken me. But this moment did something worseit stripped away the version of me that still defended him.

Everything inside me went quiet, then steady.

Fine, I said at last.

I turned my gaze from Raven to Nathaniel.

If you refuse to let her go, I said calmly, then lets end this properly. Divorce me.

If you refuse to let her go, then lets just end this with a divorce.

The moment those words left my mouth, the room seemed to tighten around us, like even the air had gone still.

Nathaniel stared at me in silence for a beat, then blinked repeatedly as if he was trying to confirm he had heard me correctly. A short, disbelieving laugh slipped out of him soon after, sharp with mockery.

Youre not serious, he said, shaking his head with an almost amused disbelief, like I had said something ridiculous. Divorce? Over this? Because youre jealous? Amara, take a good look at yourself. Youre unwell right now. Youre emotional and exhausted, and youre letting insecurity destroy everything weve worked for.

Raven immediately stepped closer, folding her hands in front of her as though she had been rehearsing the gesture. Her eyes widened dramatically, glistening with tears that never quite fell.

Mrs. Amara please, she said in a trembling voice. Is this because of me? I swear I never wanted to ruin anything between you and Mr. Nathaniel. I was only trying to help him because hes been so stressed. I would never try to come between a married couple. Please dont decide something so serious because of me.

She turned toward Nathaniel after that, her expression softening into practiced fragility, as if she were the one being wronged.

It isnt his fault, she added gently. He works so hard for you for the family. Were not

I dont care anymore, I interrupted.

My voice came out flat, stripped of feeling. If you want him that badly, you can have him. Im divorcing him.

All color drained from Nathaniels face. Amara, enough. Youre going too far

What is going on here?

The voice cut through the tension like a sudden strike of thunder.

We all turned.

At the doorway stood Julian, Nathaniels grandfather, holding onto his cane yet still commanding the entire room with his presence. His expression alone made it clear he had heard enough.

Why am I hearing talk about divorce from my favorite daughter-in-law? he demanded sharply.

Nathaniel straightened immediately, the arrogance that had filled him moments earlier vanishing in an instant, replaced by something closer to panic.

Grandfather, he said quickly. Its not what it sounds like. Amara isnt feeling wellshes had dengue fever. Shes confused.

Confused? Julian stepped forward, his gaze landing on me at once. He reached out and held my hand, his touch surprisingly gentle as he studied my face. Nathaniel, she looks like she can barely stand. Why isnt she resting in bed? Why is she here? And why are you speaking to her like this instead of taking care of your wife?

I am taking care of her, Nathaniel insisted too quickly. I was just

Hes been busy, I said, cutting across him without looking his way. My eyes stayed on Julian instead. Too busy, Grandpa. Five days in the hospital and he never once came. He didnt even answer my calls.

Thats not true, Nathaniel snapped, panic slipping into his tone as sweat formed along his temple. I was working. The merger is critical, Grandfather. I was handling everything for the family, for all of us. I was planning to visit her today.

He stepped closer to me, suddenly switching his tone into something softer, performative.

Amara, baby, tell him, he urged. I told you Id make it up to you. Ill take care of you properly now. Ill fix everythingjust dont say things like that.

Julian struck his cane hard against the floor, the sound echoing sharply.

Fix it? the old man said grimly. You should already be fixing your responsibilities. I will not tolerate divorce in this family. Do you understand me? Now stop this nonsense. Were having dinner. We need to discuss the company, and clearly youve lost your sense of direction.

Nathaniel nodded immediately. Yes, Grandfather. Of course. Dinner.

He motioned for me to follow him out.

I didnt move.

Behind him, Raven shifted nervously, then quickly composed herself and tried to fall into step as they walked.

Why are you following? I asked suddenly.

She hesitated. I always attend these dinners, she answered softly. I take notes, assist with discussions its part of my role.

That wont be necessary, I said. He doesnt need assistance. He needs his wife there.

But the merger documents she began weakly. Mr. Nathaniel might need

I said no.

Then I turned to Nathaniel. Do you want her there?

The question hung between us, deliberate and sharp.

He froze.

His eyes flicked from Raven, to his grandfather watching closely, then back to me. After a long, heavy pause that revealed more than any answer could, he exhaled.

No, Raven, he finally said, avoiding her gaze. Go home. Ill handle this.

Ravens face tightened as though she had been struck. She looked at him in disbelief, then at me with quiet fury, but there was nothing left for her to do.

Yes sir, she muttered.

A faint smile curved on my lips.

Dinner at the Voss estate felt suffocating in its own quiet way. The long table stretched between us like a barrier, the only sounds coming from cutlery against porcelain and Julians steady questioning about business performance.

Nathaniel barely sat still. His attention kept slipping away, his leg shifting repeatedly under the table.

His phone was vibrating.

I could see the faint glow beneath the tablecloth each time it lit up.

Raven.

She was likely flooding him with messagesanger, pleading, maybe even tears. The thought barely surprised me anymore.

Nathaniel!

Julians voice snapped through the room.

Nathaniel jolted so suddenly his wine glass almost tipped over. Yes, Grandfather?

I asked about the Singapore expansion logistics, Julian said firmly. You werent listening. What exactly is so important under the table?

Nothing, Nathaniel answered quickly, sliding his phone deeper into his pocket. Just investor emails.

Julian exhaled in frustration. All this talk about business, yet you cant even focus. What about the heir?

The words dropped heavily into the room.

My hand paused mid-air, fork suspended.

Youve been married for five years, Julian continued, unaware of the tension tightening around me. I am not getting any younger. This empire needs continuity.

Nathaniel cleared his throat and suddenly placed his hand over mine, his palm damp.

Were working on it, he said with a forced smile. Well try again soon, right, honey? When Amara is ready.

Try again.

The phrase echoed in my mind like something broken repeating itself.

As if he hadnt destroyed me the year before, when I lost our baby alone while he claimed he was at a conferenceonly for me to later learn Raven had been there too. As if that pain was something disposable, something he could casually retry.

He wasnt asking for a child.

He was asking for inheritance.

I looked at him then, really looked, and what I saw wasnt love or concernonly calculation.

Still, I smiled.

It was effortless, almost frightening how easily it came.

Of course, I said softly. We can try again, Grandpa. For the heir.

Julian nodded with approval. Good. You should. The trust requires a direct heir before thirty. Time is not on your side.

Nathaniel squeezed my hand under the table, firm and warning.

We wont fail you, he said smoothly. Well give you good news by our sixth anniversary.

But I already knew there would be no sixth anniversary.

Because in five days, I would be gone.

That night, when I returned to our bedroom, the atmosphere felt heavy in a way that words couldnt quite explain, as if even the silence between us had turned sharp. Nathaniel had been restless for a while, pacing back and forth like a man trying to control his own thoughts. I had noticed earlier how he kept checking his phone, and from the way his expression darkened afterward, I already knew it was Raven who had reached him again. Whatever she had said had clearly unsettled him, but he was carefulcareful not to show it in front of me.

Not tonight. Not when he still needed something from me.

He needed me compliant. He needed me to give him what he wanted most.

I was seated at the vanity brushing through my hair when he finally approached. His footsteps were quiet at first, then deliberate, as though he had already decided how this moment should unfold.

Amara, he said softly, his voice lowered into something almost intimate. He came up behind me and rested his hands on my shoulders, leaning down just enough for his breath to brush my skin before his lips followed along the side of my neck.

I really am sorry about everything earlier, he murmured. Let me make it right. We can put all of that aside and start trying. Right now.

His hands began to move lower along my arms, and I felt a wave of discomfort crawl under my skin, instinctively tightening my body.

I stood up quickly, breaking away from him before he could pull me back in.

Im exhausted, Nathaniel, I said, already moving toward the bed. I pulled the blanket up, holding it close like a shield. The doctor already told me I need to rest. Im still weak from the dengue.

A flicker of irritation crossed his face, subtle but unmistakable. It was gone almost immediately, but I saw itthe brief crack in his patience.

Alright, he said curtly, forcing a breath out as he ran a hand through his hair. Fine. Rest then. Ill wait.

He grabbed his phone from the nightstand, his movements sharper than before.

Ill head to the study. Just need to go through a few emails.

Okay, I replied quietly, closing my eyes as if I were already slipping into sleep.

I stayed still until I heard the door click shut. I counted his footsteps as they faded down the hallway, each one confirming what I already suspectedhe wasnt going to any study. He was either calling her or already on his way to her.

Once the silence settled, I opened my eyes.

From inside the pillowcase, I retrieved a second phonean old burner I had hidden away long ago. My fingers tightened around it as I dialed a number I had never thought I would use again.

A deep voice answered after one ring.

Hello?

Its Amara, I said in a low whisper. I need you to do something for me. Something important.

The man on the other end was the head butler of the estate, the one person who had been more of a guardian to me than anyone else in my family. He had seen things no one else had noticed, heard things no one else was ever meant to hear.

Anything you need, Miss Amara, he replied without hesitation.

Follow Nathaniel, I instructed, my tone firming into something colder. Hes leaving the house. I want every movement documented. Where he goes, who he meets, everything he says. Photos, recordings, videoseverything.

Understood, he said immediately. Ill handle it.

I ended the call and leaned back against the pillows, staring blankly at the ceiling.

I wasnt simply walking away from my marRavenge anymore.

I was preparing to dismantle it completely.

By morning, sunlight filtered gently through the curtains, soft and almost mocking in contrast to how heavy everything felt inside me. Nathaniels side of the bed was empty and cold, untouched in a way that confirmed he had not returned at all during the night.

I sat on the edge of the mattress with the burner phone pressed to my ear once more.

I want everything handled quietly, I said in a controlled voice. No leaks. No rumors. Not a single word reaches the press or the family until Im gone.

On the other end was Carter, the familys long-serving lawyer, someone who had been with both the Vosss and the Morgans for decades. He let out a slow breath, the kind that carried years of experience and concern.

Amara, he said carefully, are you certain about this? A divorce of this scale it will not be simple. The families wont approve it easily. The merger is tied to your marRavenge. Youve always been seen as the perfect match.

Perfect match.

The words left a bitter taste in my mouth.

My thoughts drifted without permission.

I was twelve again, standing inside the grand library, my shoes too tight as I was pushed forward by expectation I didnt understand yet.

This is Nathaniel, my grandfather had said proudly, placing him beside me like a declaration of fate. He will be your future husband.

Even then, I had disliked him immediately. He had tugged at my hair and called me a doll like I was something decorative rather than real.

But there had been someone else before that version of my life took shape.

A boy with quiet eyes and rough hands, the kind that carried warmth instead of arrogance. He had shown me how to skip stones across the lake behind the estate, laughing softly each time I missed. I had been told later that he was not suitable, not important enough, not worthy of the familys world.

So I let him go.

I had cried over it for a long time, more than I admitted to anyone. And eventually, I stopped crying at all. I looked at Nathaniel insteadthe charming, reckless heirand convinced myself I could shape him into something better. Something I could live with.

I believed I could fix him.

I had been wrong.

Amara? Carters voice brought me back. Are you still there?

Yes, I answered quietly, grounding myself in the present. The emptiness of the room felt sharper now. Forget the merger. Forget what the families want. I dont care about any of it anymore.

I exhaled slowly.

Ive already sent you everythingthe evidence, the messages, the recordings from last night. Use it. Make the infidelity clause enforceable. The prenup should collapse completely.

There was a long pause on the line, heavy with understanding.

Understood, Carter finally said, his tone shifting into something more professional. If the evidence holds, then we can proceed accordingly.

Good, I replied. Send the finalized papers in four days. Not earlier. Not later.

Alright.

The call ended.

My hands trembled slightly, not from fear, but from the rush of certainty settling into place. Everything was finally moving.

There was still one more call I needed to make.

One number I had never deleted. One I had memorized so deeply it never left me, even after a decade of silence.

My thumb hovered above the screen.

If I pressed call, there would be no turning back. Everything I had knownevery tie, every obligationwould burn with it.

Still, I pressed it.

It rang once. Then twice.

Hello?

The voice was different now, deeper, rougher, shaped by years I hadnt witnessed. But underneath it was still the same calm softness that once made everything feel safe.

Van? I whispered.

A pause followed.

Amara? he said finally, disbelief threading through every syllable. Is it really you?

My throat tightened instantly. Just hearing him made something inside me crack open, something I thought had long been buried.

Its me, I managed, my voice breaking slightly.

Are you alright? he asked quickly. Why are you calling now? What happened

Do you still love me? I cut in before I could lose my resolve.

The question hung between us, fragile and raw.

There was silence on the other endlong enough to feel like an answer in itself.

Then, softly, without hesitation:

I never stopped, Van said. Not once.

A quiet sob slipped out before I could stop it.

I wiped at my face, steadying myself through shaking breaths.

Then I whispered, forcing the words through, can you come for me in five days? And marry me?

The following morning, I arrived at Voss Corporations headquarters looking nothing like a woman recovering from illness. I had dressed myself as if I were stepping into war, not work.

A sharply tailored white suit clung to my frame, the kind of luxury fabric that cost more than what Raven earned in a year. My hair had been professionally styled, smooth and perfectly set, and my makeup was immaculatecarefully done to conceal the fatigue under my eyes and the hollowed exhaustion that still lingered beneath my skin. I looked composed, refined, untouchable. The perfect image of Mrs. Voss. The loyal, elegant wife everyone expected to see.

Good morning, Mrs. Amara, the receptionist greeted me brightly, her eyes widening slightly as I passed.

Good morning, I replied with a soft smile, gentle and controlled, the kind that revealed nothing at all.

Without wasting time, I made my way directly to the boardroom. As a major shareholder, I technically had my own office in the building, though I rarely ever used it. Today was different. Today, I intended to make use of every advantage I had.

It didnt take long before I requested Raven be sent to me.

She arrived minutes later, hesitating at the doorway before stepping inside. There was something carefully calculated about her appearanceher skirt tight, her blouse adjusted to emphasize what she clearly thought mattered more than professionalism. It wasnt work she was dressed for. It was attention.

You called for me, Mrs. Amara? she asked, her tone edged with barely disguised defiance.

Yes, Raven, I said without looking up from the papers I pretended to be reviewing. Bring me coffee. A specific one. From the caf at Fifth and Main.

She blinked in disbelief. Fifth and Main? Thats quite far. We have coffee here in the office.

I dont drink machine coffee, I replied calmly, finally lifting my gaze to meet hers. A faint smile curved my lips. And since youre supposedly the most dependable secretary here, Im sure a simple errand wont be a problem. Or should I call Nathaniel and ask him whether his secretary is incapable of basic tasks?

Her expression tightened immediately. She understood the implication perfectly.

Of course not, she said after a pause, forcing the words through gritted teeth. Ill get it.

That was only the beginning.

When she returned later, slightly breathless from the trip, I took a single sip before setting the cup down with a disappointed expression.

Its already cold, I said lightly. Go back and get another one. Run this time.

For the next several hours, I kept her moving without pause. I made her reorganize entire filing systems repeatedly, first by color, then by date, then again by color because I claimed I had changed my mind. I sent her out to purchase a pen I already knew was out of stock. I even had her stand by the photocopier for nearly an hour, copying blank sheets just to check the toner consistency.

By midday, her polished appearance was gone. Her hair had loosened, her makeup smudged, and the confident facade she carried earlier was starting to fall apart.

She entered my office again carrying another cup of coffee, her hands trembling slightly from frustration.

There, she said sharply, placing it down with too much force. The liquid spilled over the rim, staining the clean surface of my desk.

Oops, she added, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

I stared at the mess, then slowly lifted my eyes to her.

You really think you can do that? I asked quietly. Do you forget your place so easily?

Her lips curled.

Im a secretary you cant simply fire, she snapped back, leaning forward as if she owned the space. You act like youre untouchable, Amara, but youre just a decorative wife. A trophy. I, on the other hand, am useful. Nathaniel depends on me. The company depends on me.

She straightened, crossing her arms as though she had won something.

I dont usually interfere in other peoples relationships, she added coldly, but if someone insists on involving me then I wont step aside either.

I stood slowly.

Without a word, I walked around the desk toward her. She didnt move. If anything, she looked almost pleased with herself, as if she believed she was safe.

The sound came before she could reactmy hand striking her cheek echoed sharply across the room.

She staggered back, shock spreading across her face as her hand flew instinctively to her skin.

I dont care how you try to justify yourself, I said evenly, my voice low but cutting. Or how you deceive yourself at night to feel better. Remember this clearlyI am his wife. And you are nothing more than a mistake he keeps around.

I didnt wait for a response. I simply turned and left, leaving her standing there frozen, humiliated in the silence.

Later that day, as I was preparing to leave the building, voices drifted from the emergency stairwell. They were sharp, panicked, and unmistakably familiar.

She humiliated me! She embarrassed me in front of everyone!

It was Raven.

I stopped just outside the door, pressing myself quietly against the wall.

I cant do this anymore, Nathaniel! she cried out. I wont stay like this! I refuse to be your mistress! Either you marry me properly, or youll never see your childIm pregnant!

The words hit the air like a shockwave.

My breath faltered for a second.

Calm down, Nathaniels voice followed, strained and tense. Raven, please. This isnt the place for this.

Then when? she shouted back. When will you finally get rid of her?

Just wait until the merger is done, he said quickly, lowering his voice. Two days. Thats all I need. Once the contracts are signed and everything is secured we can handle her.

My body went still.

Well make it look like an accident, he continued, almost calmly now, as if discussing routine paperwork. A relapse, maybe complications from dengue or even a car accident. It doesnt matter. What matters is her shares. After that, shes no longer a problem. And then well be freeyou, me, and the baby.

For a moment, I almost laughed.

It was absurd. Almost laughable how easily they spoke about ending a life like it was nothing more than an inconvenience.

I straightened, smoothing my skirt as something cold settled over me.

So that was their plan.

I pushed the door open.

They separated instantly. Raven quickly wiped her face, while Nathaniel looked up at me too fast, his expression tightening in panic.

Oh, I said lightly, pretending surprise. There you are. I was actually looking for you, Nathaniel.

My gaze shifted between them, lingering briefly on Ravens tear-stained face.

Did I interrupt something? I asked gently. Raven looks upset. Did I overwork her today?

Nathaniel swallowed hard.

No, he said quickly. Nothing serious. Shes just not feeling well. Hormones, maybe.

He let out a forced laugh.

Then he stepped closer to me, softening his tone immediately.

Actually, Amara, he continued, Raven wanted to apologize. About earlier. The coffee everything.

He turned toward her, his expression shifting into something colder.

Isnt that right, Raven?

It wasnt a question. It was a warning.

Raven looked at me with open resentment, her jaw tightening, but when she glanced at Nathaniel, something in her broke. She lowered her gaze.

Im sorry, she said stiffly. It wont happen again. I understand youre the wife.

Good, I replied simply.

No reassurance. No warmth. Just acknowledgment.

Nathaniel exhaled like a man finally released from pressure. He stepped closer and slipped an arm around my waist, smiling again as if nothing had happened.

See? he said lightly. Everythings fine now. Actually I was thinking, honey

He searched my face carefully.

After the merger, what if we take a trip? Just the two of us. A proper honeymoon. We can try for a baby again.

I looked at him for a long moment.

Then I smiled softly.

Alright, I said. That sounds nice.

He leaned in and pressed a kiss to my forehead.

I closed my eyes.

And in my mind, I began counting down the days until the moment he would realize I was already gone.

The morning of the merger arrived beneath a dull, heavy sky, clouds stretched across it like a warning no one wanted to read. To me, it felt appropRaventealmost fitting.

I stayed in bed long after Nathaniel had gotten ready, pulling the blanket up to my chin and letting my body tremble in exaggerated weakness.

Amara, enough, he said sharply, already dressed in a perfectly tailored navy suit. He kept glancing at his watch, his patience thinning with every passing second. We need to leave in an hour. The investors are already expecting us.

I I really cant, I murmured, curling slightly as if in pain, one hand pressed to my abdomen. I feel awful, Nathaniel. I think the dengue might be coming back. Im dizzy I cant even sit up properly.

He let out a frustrated sound and threw his hands up.

Seriously? Today of all days? he snapped. You choose today to collapse?

He began pacing the room, fingers dragging through his carefully styled hair, unraveling his composure.

This is the most important day of everything weve builteverything Ive builtand youre lying there like this. Why cant you just pull yourself together?

His voice was rising when the door suddenly creaked open.

Is there a problem?

Julian stood at the doorway, steady despite the cane in his hand, his sharp gaze immediately taking in the situation.

In an instant, Nathaniel changed. The irritation vanished, replaced by concern so quick it looked rehearsed. He rushed to the bedside and sat beside me, gently brushing my hair back as though he had been worried all along.

Grandfather, he said softly, his voice thick with fabricated worry. Amara isnt feeling well. Shes been dizzy all morning. Im really concerned about her.

Im so sorry, Grandpa, I added weakly, letting my voice tremble. I really wanted to attend today.

Julian frowned and stepped closer, placing his palm on my forehead.

Shes burning up, he said firmly. Then he looked at Nathaniel. Shes staying here. Her health comes first. You can handle the signing without her, cant you?

Nathaniel hesitated, panic flashing briefly in his eyes before he forced a response.

I her signature is required for the final transfer of shares, he said quickly. But maybe we can bring the documents here instead?

No, Julian replied immediately. That wont work. The investors want it done at the office. Well postpone if necessary. Ill handle them.

He gave Nathaniel a pointed look. Take care of your wife.

Yes, of course, Nathaniel answered at once.

He left hurriedly and returned about ten minutes later carrying a tray.

Here, he said, forcing a small smile as he set it down. I brought you something to eat. Your favoriteshrimp bisque.

I stared at the bowl. The pale, creamy soup swirled slowly, almost unsettling in its appearance.

Shrimp, I repeated flatly.

Yes, he said, lifting the spoon toward me. You always like this. Eat. You need your strength.

I turned my face slightly away and pushed the spoon down.

Im allergic to shrimp, Nathaniel.

He froze mid-motion, the spoon hovering in the air.

What? No, thats not true. You order this all the time.

Thats Raven, I said quietly. Shes the one who likes shrimp. The last time I ate it, I went into anaphylactic shock. You left me in the hospital. Dont you remember?

A heavy silence settled between us. His eyes moved from the bowl back to me, as if only now realizing there were things about me he had never bothered to know.

Do you even love me? I asked softly.

I held his gaze, searching for something real beneath all the noise.

He reacted too quickly.

Of course I do, he said, setting the bowl down a little too forcefully. I just Im overwhelmed. I forgot. Im sorry.

I smiled then, small and tired, as if something inside me had already accepted the answer long before he gave it.

Right, I said gently. Good to know.

His phone buzzed again. He looked at it immediately, restless, as though unable to stay still.

I cant stay here, he said abruptly, standing up. I need to handle something business-related before the meeting. Last-minute issues.

Business, I echoed.

Yes, he replied quickly. Then he pointed at me, urgency slipping through his mask. But you have to be there later. Dont forget the documents. Everything depends on that signing.

I will, I nodded softly. Im sorry.

Good.

He grabbed his jacket and left in a rush.

The moment the door closed, the entire act fell away.

I sat up.

The weakness, the trembling, the illnessit all disappeared as if it had never been there.

My burner phone vibrated beside me.

Its done, Miss Amara, the butlers gravelly voice reported. He picked her up. Theyre at the OB-GYN clinic on Fourth Street. He hasnt let go of her hand.

Alright, I said quietly. Good work.

Another notification came in right aftera message from Van.

Everything is ready. Ill see you tomorrow.

Tomorrow.

I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the silence settle properly around me.

Nathaniel never came back that night. He only sent a message instructing me to appear at the merger the next day. Later, through the butler, I learned he had spent the evening buying baby clothes with Raven, despite not even knowing the childs gender yet.

That was all I needed to know.

It made leaving far easier than it should have been.

The next day, I stood on the deck of a private yacht, the wind pulling sharply at my hair as the shoreline faded further behind me. The world I had known was slowly shrinking into the distance.

Ahead of me was a private island in the Maldives.

Van was waiting.

My phone rang just as the sea opened wider around us.

Hubby flashed on the screen.

I answered.

Where are you?! Nathaniels voice came through immediately, loud and frantic. I could hear voices and movement behind him, the chaos of a room full of waiting investors. You were supposed to be here an hour ago! Everyone is already asking questions. You postponed yesterday and promised today!

I leaned lightly against the railing, watching the waves break below.

Im sorry, Nathaniel, I said, my tone calm and almost airy. I dont think I can make it. I feel a bit disconnected.

Disconnected? he repeated, incredulous. What does that even mean? Get in a car right now. Ill send someone for you.

Theres no need, I replied. But if you want, you can go home instead.

Home? he echoed. Why would I go there?

Because I already signed the documents, I said smoothly.

Silence followed.

You signed them? he asked, slower this time.

Yes, I lied easily. Grandpa had them sent over. He said I could sign without attending. Theyre on the vanity table. Theres also something else thereconsider it a small gift for the merger. Maybe even for an early anniversary. Why dont you check?

His tone changed immediately.

Ohokay! Thats perfect. Im coming right now. Twenty minutes, Ill be there. Youre amazing, Amara. I knew I could trust you.

Ill be waiting, I said softly. And Nathaniel bring me strawberry cake.

Got it! I love you!

Sure, I replied. Goodbye.

A pause.

Then I added, almost under my breath, Forever.

I lowered the phone slowly.

I looked at it one last time.

Then I raised my arm and threw it out as far as I could.

It spun once through the air, catching the sunlight briefly, before disappearing into the deep blue water without a sound.