My Husband Broke Me into Pieces Until I Finally Decided to Leave

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For the last five days, I lay in the hospital bed, my body burning as the fever consumed me due to severe dengue. My platelets dropped. My joints felt like they were being pulled apart. But the physical pain was nothing compared to how my husband Xander was treating me. A hundred times, he ignored me when I needed him the most.

When he finally did text back, it was always the same cold, copied-and-pasted excuse. Busy with the merger. Investors are breathing down my neck. Ill come when I can.

But he never came. So, on the day I was finally discharged, I told the driver to take me straight to the office.

I reached the top floor. The door to his office was slightly ajar. And thats when I overheard everything.

Your wife keeps calling and texting, Xander. Should you visit her in the hospital?

It was Ria. His secretary.

I leaned closer, my heart hammering against my ribs.

Shes still sick, Ria continued, her voice dripping with a fake, sickly-sweet concern. Because of the dengue. And my bad. Its really my fault.

There was a pause. The sound of papers shifting.

I put that plant in her room, Ria giggled softly. The one that attracts mosquitoes. I just didnt think Im sorry. Maybe shell get mad if she learns? It was an accident, because the plant is pretty, so you know.

My blood ran cold. Then, I heard Xanders laugh. It wasnt the warm laugh I used to love. It was cold. Cruel.

Actually, you were good at that, baby, Xander said. Honestly? It would be better if she just died. I should have stopped the hospital from giving her blood, but what can I do? I still need her for the merger.

I gasped, covering my mouth with my hand.

So Rias voice dropped to a purr. You are divorcing her, right? So, we can be together?

Baby, yes, but not yet, okay? Xander said. Can you just wait? A little more. The merger the shares I need time.

Okay, fine, Ria pouted. I could practically hear the pout in her voice. Just kiss me, then.

Then, silence. The sickening sound of wet lips meeting filled the air.

I stood there, trembling. Not from the dengue. Not from the weakness. But from the pure, unadulterated rage that flooded my veins.

I pulled out my phone. My hands shook as I typed a message to him.

Where are you?

Through the crack in the door, I watched.

Xander pulled away from Ria. He glanced at his phone, annoyed. He typed a quick reply.

My phone buzzed.

Do not disturb. Im in a critical meeting.

I looked at the screen. Then I looked at them.

I typed again.

Meeting or flirting with your secretary?

Inside the office, Xander froze. He looked up from his phone, his eyes scanning the room. Then, he looked at the door.

He saw me. I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Ria jumped back as if she had been burned. She smoothed her skirt, her face instantly shifting into a mask of professional concern. She rushed toward me.

Oh! Mrs. Lyanna! she exclaimed, reaching out as if to steady me. Youre here! Welcome back! Are you okay? We were just everything has been so busy with the merger, Mr. Xander has been

You are fired, I said.

My voice was quiet. But it cut through the room like a knife.

Ria stopped. Her mouth hung open.

I what?

I dont want to see you again, I said, staring her dead in the eyes. Pack your things. Get out.

But Miss Lyanna! Ria cried, looking at Xander for help. Ive been his secretary for two years! Im the most reliable

I am his wife, I interrupted, stepping closer to her. I towered over her, despite my illness. And I have the highest share in this company. So when I say you are fired, then you are fired.

Are you insane?! Xander slammed his hand on the desk. He marched over to us, his face red with anger.

She is my secretary, Lyanna! You cant just come in here and start firing people!

He grabbed my arm.

Why are you even here creating a scene? he demanded. Is this because I didnt go to the hospital? I told you, I was busy! I was busy with the merger! With the investors because you were sick, so I have to do your work! Youre being unreasonable, firing the one who was helping me.

I looked at him. I looked at the man I had married. The man I had loved. And I saw absolutely nothing.

I pulled my arm out of his grip.

Xander blinked, stunned by the sudden coldness in my touch.

But it wasn't sudden. It was a long time coming.

For months, I had been drowning in doubt. I had convinced myself I was paranoid. I had convinced myself I was the problemthe nagging, insecure wife who didn't understand his ambition.

But standing there, looking at his flushed face, the memories flooded back.

The ninety-nine times before this one.

Since Ria walked into this company, I had become a ghost in my own marriage.

I remembered our anniversary dinner. I sat alone at that table for three hours while he was "fixing a crisis" with her.

I remembered the weekend getaway he cancelled last minute because Ria was "feeling overwhelmed" and needed his guidance.

I remembered the countless nights he came home late, smelling of her cheap vanilla perfume, and I had forced myself to believe it was just the office air freshener.

I had swallowed my pride. I had swallowed my intuition.

I had told myself he was just busy. That he was building an empire for us.

But he wasn't building a future for us. He was building a life with her.

The dengue didn't kill me. But this? This realization killed the Lyanna who used to make excuses for him.

The doubt vanished, replaced by a cold, hard resolve.

Fine, I said calmly.

I looked at Ria, who was smirking behind his back. Then I looked back at him.

If you dont want to fire her, how about divorce me?

If you dont want to fire her, how about divorce me?

The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

Xander stared at me. He blinked once. Twice. Then, a scoff escaped his lips, incredulous and condescending.

You cant be serious, he said, shaking his head as if I were a child throwing a tantrum over a broken toy. Asking for a divorce? For this? Because you are jealous? Lyanna, look at yourself. Youre sick. Youre emotional. Youre letting your hormones and this this petty insecurity ruin everything weve built.

Ria stepped forward, her hands clasped together in a plea that looked rehearsed. Her eyes were wide, shimmering with fake tears.

Mrs. Lyanna, please, is it because of me? she whimpered. I didnt mean to ruin your relationship. I was just trying to help Xander Mr. Xander. Hes been under so much pressure. I would never want to come between you two. Please, dont do this because of me.

She looked at Xander, her lower lip trembling. Defending him. Acting like the martyr.

Its not his fault, she added softly. Hes just he works so hard for you and the family. Were not

I dont care now, I said. My voice was devoid of emotion. If you want him, take him. Im divorcing him.

Xanders face went pale. Lyanna, stop it. You are taking this too far

What the hell is happening here?

The booming voice echoed from the hallway.

We all froze. Standing in the doorway, leaning heavily on his cane but looking as formidable as a mountain, was Jonathan. Xanders grandfather.

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

Xander straightened his spine instantly, the arrogance vanishing, replaced by the fear of a little boy caught stealing from the cookie jar.

Grandfather, Xander stammered. Its its nothing. Lyanna is just shes unwell. The dengue fever. Shes confused.

Confused? Jonathan walked up to me. He took my hand, his grip gentle, inspecting my face. She looks like a ghost, Xander! Why isnt she in bed? Why isnt she resting? And why, pray tell, are you shouting at your sick wife instead of taking care of her?

I am taking care of her! Xander lied. I was just

Hes busy. I didnt look at Xander. I looked straight at Jonathan. Hes busy with something else, Grandpa. Too busy to visit me in the hospital for five days. Too busy to answer my calls.

That is not true! Xander protested, sweat beading on his forehead. I was working! The merger, Grandpa! You know how critical it is. I was doing it for the family! For us! I was going to visit her today!

He reached for me, putting on a show. Lyanna, baby, tell him. I told you Id make it up to you. Ill take care of you now. Ill fakeI mean, Ill fix everything.

Jonathan slammed his cane on the floor.

You should be fixing this, the old man growled. Because I wont allow a divorce in this family. Do you hear me? Now, fix your face. Lets go. Lets have dinner. We need to discuss the future of this company, and clearly, you need guidance.

Xander nodded rapidly. Yes. Yes, of course. Dinner.

He gestured for me to follow. I didnt move. Ria, seeing the shift in power, smoothed her skirt and took a step toward the door, falling in step behind Xander like a dutiful puppy.

Why are you coming? I asked.

I I always come, she said, her voice small. With the dinners. To take notes. To assist Mr. Xander. Its protocol.

No need, I said. He doesnt need you. He just needs his wife.

But the merger details she tried to reason out. Mr. Xander might need the files I have on my

I said no need, I cut her off. You want her to come, Xander? I asked.

It was a trap. And he knew it.

Xander looked at Ria. Then he looked at his grandfather, who was watching with narrowed, suspicious eyes. Then he looked at me. He sighed, a sound of defeat. He hesitated for a seconda second that told me everything I needed to knowbefore he spoke.

No need, Ria, he muttered, not meeting her eyes. I can handle this. Go home.

Ria flinched as if he had slapped her. Her mouth opened, then closed. She looked at me with pure venom, but she had no cards left to play.

Yes, sir, she whispered.

I smirked.

Dinner was an exercise in torture. We sat at the long mahogany table in the Miller estate. The silence was punctuated only by the clinking of silverware and Jonathans gruff questions about the quarterly projections.

I watched Xander. He couldnt focus. He was shifting in his seat, his eyes darting to his lap every thirty seconds.

His phone. It was vibrating against his leg. I could see the glow illuminating his napkin.

Ria was probably texting him a storm. Crying. Accusing him. Demanding to know why he abandoned her.

Xander!

Jonathans voice cracked like a whip.

Xander jumped, nearly knocking over his wine glass. Yes! Yes, Grandpa?

I asked you about the logistics for the Singapore expansion, Jonathan said, his brow furrowed. Youre not listening. What is so important on your lap?

Nothing, Xander said quickly, shoving the phone deeper into his pocket. Just business. Checking emails from the investors.

Business and business, Jonathan grumbled, cutting into his steak. Thats all you talk about. But what about the heir?

The air left the room. I froze, my fork hovering halfway to my mouth.

Youve been married five years, Jonathan continued, oblivious to the ice spreading through my veins. Im not getting any younger, Xander. I built this empire for my bloodline. I need to know its secure.

Xander cleared his throat. He reached out and covered my hand with his. His palm was sweaty.

Oh, we were working on it, Xander lied, putting on that charming, boyish smile. We should try it again. Right, honey? When Lyanna is ready.

Try again.

The words echoed in my head.

He said it so casually. As if we hadnt lost our baby last year due to my stress because of him. As if I hadnt bled out on the bathroom floor while he was at a conference that I later learned Ria had attended too.

He had neglected me then. He was neglecting me now. And he wanted to use my body to secure his inheritance.

I looked at him. I saw the desperation in his eyes. He didnt want a child. He wanted the money.

I smiled.

It was the best acting performance of my life.

Sure, I said, my voice sweet as poison. We can try again, Grandpa. For your heir.

Jonathan nodded, satisfied. Good. You should be. Or you wont get the full inheritance. The trust stipulates a direct heir by the time you turn thirty. Youre running out of time.

Xander squeezed my hand. Hard.

We wont let you down, he promised. Well make sure to give you a good news on our sixth anniversary next month.

But what he didnt know was that there would be no sixth anniversary.

Because I would be leaving in five days.

That night, back in our bedroom, the air was thick with unspoken tension.

Xander was pacing. He had finally checked his phone, and whatever Ria had sent him had clearly put him in a foul mood. But he couldnt show it. Not to me. Not tonight.

He needed me to be pliable. He needed me pregnant.

He walked over to where I was sitting at the vanity, brushing my hair.

Lyanna, he said, his voice dropping to a husky murmur. He placed his hands on my shoulders. He leaned down, kissing the curve of my neck.

I really am sorry about today, he whispered. Let me make it up to you. Lets lets start trying. Right now.

His hands slid down my arms. My skin crawled.

I stood up abruptly, breaking his hold.

Im tired, Xander, I said, walking toward the bed and pulling the duvet up to my chin. The doctor said I need rest. The dengue Im still weak.

Xanders jaw tightened. I saw the flash of anger in his eyesthe annoyance of a man denied what he felt he was owed.

Fine, he snapped.

He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply.

Well, okay. I will wait. You rest.

He grabbed his phone from the nightstand.

Im going to the study. I have some emails to catch up on.

Okay, I murmured, closing my eyes.

I waited until I heard the door click shut. I waited until I heard his footsteps fade down the hallway. I knew he wasnt going to the study. He was going to call her. Or worse, he was going to leave to see her.

I opened my eyes.

I reached for the burner phone I had hidden inside my pillowcase.

I dialed a number I had saved years ago, just in case.

Hello? A deep, gravelly voice answered.

Its Lyanna, I whispered. I need a favor. A big one.

It was the familys head butler. The man who had raised me more than my own parents had. The man who saw everything.

Anything, Miss Lyanna.

Follow him, I said, my voice turning to steel. Hes leaving the house. I want you to follow him. Record everything. Take photos. Audio. Video. I want to know where he goes, who he sees, and what he says.

Consider it done.

I hung up.

I lay back against the pillows, staring at the ceiling.

I wasnt just leaving him.

I was going to ruin him.

The next morning, the sun streamed through the sheer curtains, mocking the gloom in my heart. Xander was gone. His side of the bed was cold, the sheets barely disturbed. He hadnt come back to sleep.

I sat on the edge of the bed, my burner phone pressed to my ear.

I want it done quietly, I said, my voice low. Discreetly. I dont want a single whisper of this to reach the press or the family until I am gone.

On the other end of the line was Arthur, the family lawyer. He had served the Millers and the Vancouvers for forty years. He knew where all the bodies were buried.

Lyanna, Arthur sighed, the sound crackling with static. Are you absolutely sure about this? A divorce? Its extreme. Im pretty sure your grandfather and his grandfather will not agree. You know the merger depends on this union. Youve always been the power couple.

Power couple.

The phrase tasted like ash in my mouth.

My mind drifted back.

I was twelve years old. Standing in the grand library, my patent leather shoes pinching my toes.

This is Xander, my grandfather had said, pushing me toward a boy with messy hair and an arrogant smirk. He is going to be your husband one day.

I had hated him instantly. He had pulled my pigtails and called me a doll.

I didnt want him. I wanted someone else.

I remembered a boy with gentle eyes and calloused hands. A boy who taught me how to skip stones on the lake. A boy I had to reject because my grandfather said he wasnt suitable. He wasnt an heir. He was nothing.

I had cried for weeks. But eventually, I had dried my tears. I had looked at Xander, the playboy prince, and thought, I can fix him. I can make this work.

I thought I could tame the storm.

I was so stupid.

Lyanna? Arthurs voice snapped me back to the present. Are you still there?

Im here, I said. The memory faded, replaced by the cold, hard reality of my empty bedroom. And I dont care about the merger, Arthur. I dont care about the grandfathers. I regret ever listening to them.

I took a deep breath.

Process it. I just sent you the proof of the affair. The photos. The audio recordings from last night. Its all there. That should make the infidelity clause in the prenup enforceable. Everything is void.

There was a long silence on the other end. The sound of a man realizing the empire was about to crumble.

I see, Arthur said finally, his tone professional. If the evidence is as substantial as you say then yes. We can proceed.

Good, I said. Send the papers to me in four days. Not a day sooner. Not a day later.

Understood.

I hung up.

My hands were trembling. Not from fear, but from adrenaline. It was happening. The wheels were in motion.

I looked at the phone in my hand. There was one more call to make.

One number I had never deleted. One number I had memorized by heart, even though I hadnt dialed it in ten years.

My thumb hovered over the keypad.

If I did this, there was really no turning back. If I did this, I was burning the bridge and the entire kingdom along with it.

I pressed call.

It rang once. Twice.

Hello?

The voice was deeper than I remembered. rougher. But it still had that same gentle cadence that used to calm my storms.

Van? I whispered.

Silence.

Lyanna? he breathed. Disbelief colored his tone. Is that is that you?

Tears pricked my eyes. Just hearing his voice broke something inside me that I didnt know was still holding on.

Its me, I said, my voice cracking.

Are you okay? Why are you calling? Is everything

Do you still love me? I interrupted.

The question hung in the air, heavy and desperate.

Whatever he was doing on the other side of the world, whatever life he had built, I needed to know. I needed to know if the boy who skipped stones still existed.

There was a pause. A pause that lasted an eternity.

You know I do, Van said softly. I never stopped. Not for a single day.

A sob escaped my throat.

Then I took a shaky breath, wiping the tears from my cheeks. Can you pick me up? In five days? And marry me?

The next morning, I walked into the Miller Corporation headquarters dressed not as a patient, but as a queen.

I wore a tailored white suit that cost more than Rias annual salary. My hair was blown out to perfection, my makeup flawless, hiding the dark circles and the hollowness in my cheeks. I was the picture of the doting, supportive wife. The perfect Mrs. Miller.

Good morning, Mrs. Lyanna, the receptionist chirped, eyes widening as I swept past.

Good morning, I smiled, sweet and vacant.

I went straight to the boardroom. As a majority shareholder, I had my own office, though I rarely used it. Today, however, I had work to do.

I summoned Ria within minutes of arriving.

She walked in, looking wary. She was wearing a tight pencil skirt that left little to the imagination, clearly dressed for Xanders eyes, not for work.

You called, Mrs. Lyanna? she asked, her tone bordering on insolent.

Yes, Ria, I said, not looking up from the documents I was pretending to read. I need coffee. A specific blend. From the caf on 5th and Main.

Ria blinked. 5th and Main? Thats thats a mile away. We have a machine right here.

I dont drink machine coffee, I said, finally looking at her. I smiled. And since youre the most reliable secretary, surely a coffee run isnt too much to ask? Or should I ask Xander if his secretary is incapable of simple tasks?

Her jaw tightened. She knew she couldnt say no. Not when I was playing the role of the demanding shareholder.

Of course not, she said through gritted teeth. Ill go.

That was just the beginning.

When she returned, sweating slightly, I took one sip and frowned.

Its cold, I said, pushing the cup away. Go get another one. And this time, run.

For the next three hours, I ran her ragged.

I made her reorganize the filing cabinet by color, then by date, then back by color because I changed my mind. I sent her to buy a specific type of pen that I knew was out of stock at the nearest supply store. I made her stand by the photocopier for forty-five minutes copying blank pages just to test the toner levels.

By noon, her hair was frizzy, her makeup was smudged, and the veneer of the composed seductress was cracking.

She came into my office with the third cup of coffee, her hands shaking with rage.

Here, she slammed the cup down on my desk. Coffee sloshed over the rim, staining the pristine white wood.

Oops, she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

I looked at the stain. Then I looked at her.

You dare do that? I asked quietly. You know you are just a secretary, right?

A secretary that you cant fire, she spat. She leaned over the desk, her eyes wild. You think youre so high and mighty, Lyanna? You know, youre just a decorative wife. A trophy. As for me? I have a use. Xander needs me. The company needs me.

She straightened up, crossing her arms.

And honestly, she sneered, I am the kind of person that wont steal someone. But if that someone tries to get me if that someone cares for me then Ill return the favor.

I stood up. I walked around the desk slowly. Ria didnt move. She held her ground, thinking she was untouchable.

The sound of my hand connecting with her cheek echoed through the room.

Ria stumbled back, her hand flying to her face, eyes wide with shock.

I dont care if you can seduce my husband, I said, my voice low and dangerous. Or what lies you tell yourself to sleep at night. Just rememberI am the wife. And you? Youre just nothing. A trash.

I didnt wait for her response. I turned on my heel and walked out, leaving her stunned and red-faced in my office.

Later on, as I was about to go home, I heard voices toward the emergency exit stairwell.

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

It was Ria. I stopped, pressing myself against the wall next to the door.

I dont want this anymore, Xander! she wailed. I cant take it! I dont want to be your mistress! Either you make me your legal wife, or you will never see your child again! Because I am pregnant!

My breath hitched. The word hung in the dusty air of the stairwell.

Calm down, will you? Xanders voice was hushed, frantic. Please, Ria. You know we cant just be like this right now. Not here.

Then when?! she screamed. When will you get rid of her?

Just wait for the merger, Xander pleaded. Two days. Thats all I need. Once the papers are signed, once the investors are locked in then we will kill her.

My blood turned to ice.

Well make it look like an accident, Xander continued, his voice soothing now, terrifyingly calm. A relapse of the dengue. Or a car crash. I dont care. But we need her shares for the merger. Once thats done, shes gone. And we can be a family. You, me, and the baby.

I clamped a hand over my mouth to stifle the laugh that was bubbling up in my throat.

They wanted to kill me? It was almost funny. It was pathetic.

I composed myself. I smoothed my skirt.

So, I thought. You want to play that game?

I pushed the door open. Both of them jumped apart. Ria was wiping her eyes, Xander looked like he had seen a ghost.

Oh, I said, feigning surprise. Here you are. I was looking for you, Xander.

I looked at Ria, then at him. I let my gaze linger on her tear-streaked face.

Is everything okay? I asked innocently. Ria looks upset. Did I push her too hard today?

Xander swallowed hard. He looked at Ria, his eyes pleading with her to keep it together.

No, Xander said quickly. No, everything is fine. Ria was just feeling unwell. Hormones, maybe.

He laughed nervously.

Actually, Lyanna, he said, stepping toward me. Ria wanted to apologize. For the coffee. For everything.

He turned to Ria, his eyes hardening.

Right, Ria?

It was a command. Say sorry for now. Otherwise, she might tell Grandpa and its chaos again.

Ria glared at me. The hatred in her eyes was palpable. But she looked at Xander, at the desperation in his face, and she swallowed her pride.

Im sorry, she muttered, looking at the floor. It wont happen again. I know I know youre the wife.

Good, I said simply.

I didnt accept it. I didnt say it was okay. I just acknowledged it.

Xander let out a breath he seemed to have been holding for an hour. He walked over to me, wrapping an arm around my waist.

See? he said, smiling that fake, charming smile. Were all good. Actually, honey, I was thinking

He looked down at me, his eyes searching mine.

How about we go on a trip? A honeymoon? After the merger? Just the two of us. To try for a baby?

I looked at him.

Sure, I said softly. That sounds lovely.

He kissed my forehead.

I closed my eyes, counting down the seconds hed begged on bended knees because I was gone.

The morning of the merger arrived with a gray, overcast sky. It was perfect.

I lay in bed, the blankets pulled up to my chin, shivering theatrically.

Lyanna, get up, Xander said, his voice tight with impatience. He was already dressed in his finest navy suit, checking his watch every five seconds. We have to be there in an hour. The investors are waiting.

I I cant, I moaned, clutching my stomach. I feel terrible, Xander. I think the dengue maybe a relapse. Im so dizzy.

Xander threw his hands up.

Are you kidding me? Today? Of all days, you get sick today?

He paced the room, running a hand through his gelled hair.

Why wont you just get it together? This is the biggest day of my life! Of our lives! And youre lying here

The door creaked open.

Is everything alright in here?

Jonathan stood in the doorway, leaning on his cane, his sharp eyes assessing the scene.

Xanders demeanor flipped like a switch. The anger vanished, replaced instantly by concern. He rushed to the bedside, sitting down and stroking my hair.

Grandpa, he said, his voice dripping with worry. Lyanna isnt feeling well. Im so worried about her. She says shes dizzy.

Im so sorry, Grandpa, I whispered, making my voice weak. I really wanted to go.

Jonathan frowned, walking over to the bed. He placed a hand on my forehead.

Shes burning up, he muttered. He looked at Xander sternly. She stays here. Health comes first. You can handle the signing alone, cant you?

I well, her signature is required for the final transfer of shares, Xander said, panic flashing in his eyes. But maybe we can bring the papers here later?

No, we cant. They want to have it in the office, so we need to postpone it. I will just talk to them, Jonathan said. Take care of your wife, boy. Get her some food.

Yes, of course.

Xander ran downstairs. Ten minutes later, he returned with a tray.

Here, he said, forcing a smile. I brought you some soup. Its your favorite. Shrimp bisque.

I stared at the bowl. The pink, creamy liquid swirled ominously.

Shrimp, I said flatly.

Yes, you love it, he said, bringing a spoon to my lips. Eat up. You need your strength.

I pushed the spoon away.

Im allergic to shrimp, Xander.

He froze. The spoon hovered in mid-air.

What? No, youre not. You order it all the time.

Thats Ria, I said quietly. Ria loves shrimp. I went into anaphylactic shock the last time, and you left me, remember?

Silence stretched between us. He looked at the soup, then at me, realization dawning on his face. He didnt even know what could kill me.

Do you really love me? I asked.

I looked him dead in the eye. I wanted to see it. I wanted to see the lie one last time.

Of course, he said quickly, putting the bowl down on the nightstand with a clatter. Of course I do. I just Im stressed. I forgot. Im sorry.

I smiled. It was a sad, final smile.

Well, yeah. Good to know.

He checked his watch again. He was vibrating with anxiety.

Look, I I cant stay, he said, standing up. I need to do something business related. Before the merger meeting. Some last-minute details.

Business, I repeated.

Yes. But tomorrow or later today you need to meet them and get those papers signed. Got it? He pointed a finger at me, his mask slipping. You need to be ready.

I will be, I nodded. Im sorry.

Fine.

He grabbed his jacket and stormed out.

The moment the front door slammed, I sat up. The sickness vanished.

My burner phone buzzed. It was the butler.

He picked her up, Miss Lyanna, the gravelly voice said. They are at the OB-GYN clinic on 4th Street. Hes holding her hand.

Okay, I said. Thank you.

Another buzz. A text from Van: Everything is ready. Ill see you tomorrow.

Tomorrow. Yes. I closed my eyes and took a rest. Xander didnt even bother coming back, just texted me to come to the merger tomorrow. When I asked my butler, he told me Xander was buying baby clothes for his child with Ria. They didnt even know the gender yet.

It was to my advantage because I easily left the house.

The next day, I was standing on the deck of a private yacht, the wind whipping my hair across my face. The coastline was fading into the distance.

I was heading to a private island in the Maldives. Van was waiting there.

My phone rang.

I looked at the screen. Hubby.

I answered.

Where are you?! Xanders voice was frantic. I could hear the murmur of a crowd in the background. You were supposed to be here an hour ago.The investors will come in an hour. You already postponed yesterday and you promised today!

I leaned against the railing, watching the white foam of the waves.

Im sorry, Xander, I said, my voice light and breezy. I cant make it. Im feeling really detached.

Detached? What the hell does that mean? Get in the car! Ill send a driver!

No need, I said. But if you want how about you come home now? And get the signed papers there?

Home? He sounded confused. You signed them?

Yes, I lied. Your grandpa sent the papers and said I can just sign it without coming. Theyre on the vanity. Along with a surprise gift for the merger and advance anniversary. Why dont you go get them? And then maybe we can go on our honeymoon after?

Oh! Oh, sure! Sure, honey! Great. Im leaving now! Ill be there in twenty minutes! Youre the best, Lyanna! I knew I could count on you!

Ill be waiting, I said. Bring me a strawberry cake, please.

Okay, bye! Love you!

Sure, I said. Bye forever.

I pulled the phone away from my ear.

I looked at it one last time.

Then, I wound up my arm and threw it as hard as I could.

It spun through the air, glinting in the sunlight, before splashing silently into the deep blue sea.