When I actually said the word "divorce" out loud, it didn't hurt as much as I'd imagined.

But Marco just sneered coldly, as if he'd heard some kind of joke. "Chiara, what did you just say?"

I looked at him steadily and repeated, "I want a divorce. My lawyer, Davide Moretti, will deliver the divorce papers to you."

Marco sauntered up to me with open disdain and made a move to embrace me, but I slipped out of reach. My evasion only added to the annoyance written all over his face.

"Can you just stop this already? I've been dealing with family matters and looking after Lucia these past few days, so I'm exhausted and don't have the energy to comfort you."

I interrupted Marco immediately, not willing to spare him even a shred of dignity. "Once we're divorced, you can look after Lucia without having to hide it."

Marco's expression instantly darkened. "Chiara Esposito, what are you throwing a fit about this time? Lucia is already having a hard time as it is, so why must you compete with her for my attention? Where's your dignity as the Donna?"

I scoffed. "Dignity? Are you referring to how I was severely wounded and hospitalized from a shootout on our wedding anniversary, while you were busy cozying up to Lucia? Should I be clapping for the two of you?"

Marco's eyes, tinged with guilt, darted away. He stepped forward again, trying to pull me into his arms.

"I'm sorry. I have been neglectful lately. I'll have someone else look after Lucia. Let's celebrate our anniversary properly this time, okay? We'll invite everyone in the family to celebrate with us.

"The family's in an expansion phase, and I'm already worn out dealing with business every day. Try to be a little understanding, will you?"

Hearing him say that, I was finally angered to the point of laughing.

I forcefully broke free from his embrace and said, "Dealing with business? Two days ago, you were cooking for Lucia. Yesterday you were out buying her jewelry. Today you were on a date with her.

"So, when exactly did you find time for dealing with business? It's just not me, is it? Even the family comes second to Lucia in your eyes."

Marco was left speechless by my questions. His lips parted, but not a single word of rebuttal came out.

He was so used to me being gentle and obedient. That was why he could say with such certainty that I'd never leave him and why he wasn't the least bit afraid to dismiss the talk of divorce as nothing more than one of my little tantrums.

"You just got out of the hospital, so I don't want to argue with you. Sleep on it tonight, and we can discuss how to celebrate our anniversary tomorrow."

As he spoke, he loosened his tie and made to head upstairs.

"I don't need to sleep on it. I'm perfectly clear-headed right now. I've already asked Mr. Moretti to prepare the divorce papers. He'll deliver them to you tomorrow. I won't be coming back."

Marco whipped his head, staring at me in disbelief.

At last, I saw panic in his eyes.