But today, I finally understood. I was wrong.

So terribly, laughably wrong.

“Ahhh!”

A primal scream tore from my throat as I started hurling things across the room. Crystal ornaments, limited-edition figurines, designer handbags—nothing was spared from my wrath. When exhaustion finally stole the strength from my limbs, I collapsed in the corner, curled up like a wounded beast, licking my wounds with no solace in sight.

The special notification on my phone blinked.

It was Rio.

“Not coming home tonight. Beth isn’t feeling well. Staying with her.”

Beth. Bethany. Again and again. Her name was a thorn lodged deep in my heart, twisting cruelly with every breath I took.

For six years, I lived like a ghost in the shadows of our marriage—hidden, silenced, erased. While I was forced to be invisible, he paraded Bethany like a trophy, showering her with resources and attention, making sure the whole world knew just how much he cherished her.

Every year, on his birthday, on our anniversary, even on my own birthday, he was never there.

His excuses varied, but the result was always the same. The one left behind was always me. The one by his side was always Bethany.

Last year, he had promised to spend my birthday with me. But at the last moment, Bethany twisted her ankle and he left without a second thought, not sparing me so much as a glance.

I sat alone, staring at my cold birthday cake, tears blurring the candle flames. The next day, the tabloids were ablaze with pictures of Rio celebrating Bethany’s birthday. They stood close, their smiles bright, the very picture of intimacy.

And me? I was nothing but a joke. A court jester foolishly waiting for a king who never spared her a second look.

I had once confronted him, demanded to know why he always chose Bethany over me.

His answer had been dismissive, as if my pain was an inconvenience.

“Bethany is my business partner. I have to take care of her. You, on the other hand, are my wife. You should understand me. Support me.”

I should understand him?

I suddenly felt exhausted—bone-deep, soul-crushing exhaustion.

Six years. Six years of lies, of betrayal, of bending over backward for a love that had never been real.

With trembling hands, I typed out a message.

[Let’s get a divorce.]

The moment I pressed send, my heart stilled. For the first time in six years, I felt peace. Minutes passed. No reply. I let out a bitter laugh.

Of course. Right now, he was busy tending to his "business partner." Why would he waste time on his invisible wife?

***

In the VIP room of an exclusive nightclub, deafening music pulsed through the air, champagne bubbling over crystal glasses as dazzling lights cast an intoxicating glow over the revelry.

Rio lounged back, a smug grin on his face, an arm draped possessively around Bethany’s slender waist as she giggled at something he whispered in her ear.

“Rio, you’re amazing! Another championship title under your belt!” Bethany gushed, clinking her glass against his.

Rio laughed, basking in the adoration of his team and the sycophants surrounding him.

“Of course! Who do you think I am?”

His teammate Glen elbowed him playfully, waggling his eyebrows.

“Hey, man, where’s your wife? Shouldn’t she be here celebrating with you? Six years of hiding her away—isn’t it time to let her breathe?”

A round of jeers and whistles erupted from the crowd.

“Yeah, dump the old ball and chain already! Marry our lovely Bethany instead! We’ll even chip in for the wedding!”

“Hahaha, Rio, don’t tell me you’re bored with her and looking for fresh meat?”

Drunk on victory and liquor, Rio tightened his grip on Bethany, his laughter loud and unrestrained. “She’s been clinging to me for six years like a desperate mutt, wagging her tail for a scrap of attention. It’s pathetic.”

Bethany pouted playfully, mischief glinting in her eyes. “If she finds out you're spending the night with me, what will you do? Think she’ll throw a fit?”

Rio scoffed, his expression darkening with contempt. “She wouldn’t dare. Marrying me is the best thing that ever happened to her. If she tries to cause trouble, I’ll make sure she’s blacklisted from the entertainment industry.”

Bethany giggled, trailing her fingers down his chest. “I adore you,” she purred before pressing her lips to his in a slow, sultry kiss.

The noise of the private lounge drowned out the faint vibration of Rio’s phone.

He didn’t notice it. He didn’t care.

Later that night, Bethany carefully selected a photo. In it, she nestled against Rio’s side like a delicate bird, his arm wrapped possessively around her waist. In his other hand, he held up a glass of champagne, his face alight with smug victory.

The rest of his team surrounded them, grinning and cheering, celebrating his latest championship win. The energy of the moment was electric.

The caption read: “Celebrating another winning of R. So proud of you!”

The moment she posted it, the internet erupted.

“Rio and Bethany look so perfect together. When’s the official announcement?”

“OMG! The way he looks at her—I’m swooning!”

“I knew it! There’s no way these two weren’t secretly together!”

Bethany smirked at the flood of comments, replying with a coy emoji before tagging Rio’s account. Within seconds, his like appeared.

By morning, every major gossip site had splashed their faces across their front pages.

[Racing champion Rio Beasley caught in late-night rendezvous with rising star Bethany—romance confirmed?]

[Speculation ends: Beasley and Arterton’s intimate celebration ignites dating rumors!]

The comment sections buzzed with excitement, some offering congratulations, others spewing outrage and many simply there for the drama.

***

The harsh morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, piercing through Rio’s pounding hangover. Groaning, he massaged his temples, but the warmth of the woman beside him made up for his discomfort.

Leaning over, he pressed a lazy kiss to Bethany’s forehead before grabbing his phone to check the time.

A single message from me popped up on the screen: [Let’s get divorce.]

He barely spared it a glance, assuming it was another one of my tantrums. Six years together and I had pulled every trick in the book to keep his attention—why would this time be any different?

Bethany stirred, stretching her toned arms before wrapping them around his neck. “Who sends message this early? They’re ruining my beauty sleep.”

Rio’s fingers lazily traced circles on her bare back. “Just insignificant block with too much time on their hands.”

By noon, he returned to the villa, expecting to find me sulking like always. Instead, I was neatly folding my clothes, placing them carefully into a suitcase.

He stopped cold. The haze of alcohol finally lifted, replaced by something sharper—confusion and a faint irritation.

“What are you doing?” I didn’t look up. My voice was steady, emotionless. “I’ve drafted the divorce papers. If you have no objections, sign them.”

My words hit him like a detonated landmine.

In an instant, he closed the distance between us, ripping the clothes from my hands and throwing them to the floor.

“Divorce?” His voice was low, dangerous. “What kind of stunt are you pulling now? Don’t play games with me.”

I lifted my head, meeting his bloodshot eyes with a cold, mocking smile.

“Six years, Rio. Six years. I gave up my career for you. I cooked for you, bent over backward to please your family and friends. And after everything, you still never truly saw me. You think I’m playing a game?”

My voice wasn’t loud, but every word cut like a blade, sinking deep into his heart.

He froze, as if seeing me clearly for the first time, a flicker of panic flashing in his eyes.

“Hazel, I—”

“Tell me, Rio. Have you ever, even once, loved me? Did you ever care about me at all?”

His face paled. His lips parted, but no words came out.

“That’s what I thought.” I bent down, calmly picking up the clothes he had tossed aside. I folded them neatly and placed them back into my suitcase.

“Saw the latest headlines about you and Bethany. Congratulations. You’re finally free of me. Now you can chase after your true love.”

I struggled, but his grip was ironclad, trapping me in his arms. A sharp pain shot through my lip as I tasted blood—he had bitten me. The sting jolted me back to reality, filling me with revulsion.

This wasn’t love. It was hate. Possession. Unwillingness to let go.

“Let me go!” I screamed, thrashing against him, but Rio only pressed closer. His breath was hot against my skin, thick with the stench of alcohol and Bethany’s perfume—the one she always wore.

“Drop the act,” he murmured, his grip tightening. “You spent six years trying to please me. Now, I’ll give you what you want."

A sharp pain shot through me, but the ache in my heart was far worse.

Six years. I gave him everything. And this was what I got in return.

“Rio,” I choked out, my voice hoarse, “you disgust me.”

When it was over, the room was a mess.

Rio stood at the edge of the bed, staring down at me, his face unreadable. Silence stretched between us before he finally turned away. I heard the sound of running water. Then, without a word, he returned and scooped me up.

“Let me clean you up,” he said, his voice low, devoid of emotion.

I turned my face away, refusing to meet his eyes, refusing to acknowledge his touch.

“Fuck off.”

He ignored me. I was too drained to fight him. My body was numb, my mind empty. Warm water cascaded over my skin, but it couldn’t wash away the filth, the disgust that had seeped into my bones.

“Does it hurt?” His voice was softer now, almost careful. “I’m sorry if I was too rough. I drank too much last night.”

I shut my eyes. Hurt? Nothing could hurt more than realizing my heart had died.

Memories of the man he used to be flickered through my mind like a cruel, broken film reel.

Five years ago, Rio was gentle, considerate. He used to wake up early to make me breakfast, hold me close every night before we fell asleep.

He remembered my favorite flowers, planned surprises for my birthday. When work stressed me out, he would comfort me, encourage me. When I was sick, he never left my side. Back then, I thought I had found the man I would grow old with. I gave up my rising career for him, devoted myself to being the perfect wife, managing everything for him.