Chapter 3

3

I slid the wedding ring off my finger and looked at the ugly scar on my wrist.

I watched his car disappear through the window, then placed the ring on the coffee table.

"No need. Let's just end this, Xavier. I'm done with you."

My voice was quiet and steady.

The tears only started once I realized this goodbye was a solo performance. He hadn't heard me, and even if he had, he wouldn't have cared.

Everyone who knew us knew how much I loved him.

I would have died for him.

My phone buzzed. "Are you really coming to Paris?"

I picked it up, my eyes drifting to my crooked fingers.

The ache in my chest was unbearable. I typed back.

"I've decided. As soon as I settle things here, I'm leaving."

I took the divorce papers to the government office to finalize the filing.

On the way, I passed a massive digital billboard.

It was a bridal ad. Nina was in a stunning white dress, leaning against Xavier, looking blissfully happy.

People walking by commented on how perfect they looked together.

I remembered when we got our license six years ago. Xavier said he was a man of science, not a performer.

He didn't want the public eye on him.

He said he didn't want people thinking he succeeded because of my family's wealth.

So, we never had a wedding. We didn't even take a single professional photo together.

I had respected his wishes. My family had respected him, too.

Later, when my family's business went bankrupt, I offered him a divorce to protect him.

Xavier had ripped the papers to shreds and held me tight.

Back then, I thought we were forever.

But everything changed the moment Nina came back.

I tried to save us, but it was useless.

After so many disappointments, I remembered something my father told me when I was little.

"Cora," he had said. "I named you Cora because it sounds like the heart, but I want you to have the spirit of the wind."

"I want you to be free."

The memory blurred with the present.

I looked at the happy couple on the screen and smiled a bitter, final smile.

I went back to the house to pack the last of my things.

I ran into Xavier and Nina at the front door.

Xavier's face darkened when he saw me. "Why are you still here?"

I didn't say a word.

As I tried to walk past them, Nina stuck her foot out. I tripped and fell hard onto the floor.

Xavier just watched with cold eyes.

I didn't want to stay another second. I grabbed my suitcase and stood up.

"What is that painting in your hand?" Xavier suddenly barked.

I froze.

He snatched the canvas from me. It was a painting of a family of three from behind, their silhouettes long in the sunset.

He looked at it for a moment. "Nina needs a piece for her upcoming competition. Give this to her."

"No," I said immediately.

Xavier looked stunned by my refusal. "What use is this to you? Nina is auditioning for a role as a painter. This win is crucial for her."

I shook my head firmly.

My father painted that before he died. It was us―my parents and me. It was priceless.

No matter how broke I was, I would never sell it.

"Cora, can't you be reasonable for once?"

I grit my teeth. "Why should I? Your affair is all over the news. Why should I be the bigger person?"

"Xavier, if you take this painting, I'll tell everyone how fake your great love story is."

"I'll tell them Nina West is nothing but a homewrecker!"

Xavier's eyes flashed with rage. "Are you actually threatening me, Cora?"