NORA'S POV

My chest felt tight, as I walked down the brightly lit hallway, and I had to fight back the tears. The sight of Isabella sitting with Sam, laughing, had torn me apart. They looked like they shared something private, something I would never be a part of. I clutched my coat tighter, trying to pull myself together.

When I got close to the elevator, I spotted Jacob leaning against the wall, arms crossed, looking smug. The same look he always had when he saw me. We had grown up in the same neighbourhood, the same big sprawling mansions, the same schools. Sam, Jacob, Genevieve and I all used to be friends,but things had changed over the years. Jacob had always had a way of making me feel small.

“Leaving already?” Jacob sneered, his eyes narrowing. “You’re not fooling anyone, Nora. You’re just holding Sam back, and everyone knows it.”

I froze. His words stung harder than usual. Maybe it was because of what happened earlier—Jacob was Sam's best friend. Maybe he knew something I didn't. That hollow feeling in my chest returned.

“What are you talking about?” I whispered, my voice barely there.

Jacob stepped closer, his eyes cold. “You act like you can actually be a part of his life but all you do is embarrassyourself. Showing up unannounced, clinging to him—no wonder he’s spending time with someone who gets him.”

I wanted to say something, anything, but my throat tightened. I had grown used to Jacob’s bullying, his sharp words, but today they hurt more because of what I had saw in Sam's office.

“You don’t know anything about us,” I said weakly, though I wasn’t sure I believed it myself.

“You just can’t help but ruin everything, can you? Maybe if you stopped clinging to him like some lovesick puppy, you’d realize you’re the problem, not him”, Jacob yelled.

“He's my husband!” I snapped.

Jacob’s smirk widened. “Not for long. You think you can compete with Isabella? She’s everything you’re not—confident, successful. You? You’re just in the way.”

His words cut deeper than ever. He didn’t have to say more. I had seen it myself today, Sam and Isabella, laughing, talking like they understood each other. My mind raced; the walls felt like they were closing in. I pushed past Jacob, my legs shaky, and ran out into the pouring rain, the cold drops mixing with the tears I didn’t even know I’d started shedding.

My phone buzzed. I fumbled with the wet screen and answered. It was Genevieve, Sam’s sister, her voice bright with excitement.

“Nora! How did it go? So, how did he react when you brought him the watch? I’m sure this was the perfect chance for you two to talk!”

I squeezed my eyes shut, holding back my tears. Genevieve didn’t know how bad things were. “React? He barely looked at me! Do you know what it’s like to be invisible in front of the person you love the most?”

I could picture her now, probably curled up on that old floral couch we used to sit on as kids in her room, our legs draped over the armrest as we gossiped about everything and nothing. Genevieve was the one who never gave up on anything—always the one pushing me to fight for what mattered. But this wasn’t the same. I couldn’t just “fix” it this time.

Genevieve paused. “What? But… the watch. I thought it would make him appreciative and notice how much you care about him.”

“It didn’t,” I said flatly. “It only reminded me how much I’m losing him. He’s with her, Genevieve. Isabella’s back.”

There was a gasp on the other end. “Isabella? Are you sure? Maybe it’s not what you think—”

“It’s exactly what I think,” I cut her off, my voice cold. “You set me up for this, hoping things would get better, but all it’s done is make me realize how hopeless everything is!”

“Nora…” Genevieve called.

“I’m so sorry, Gen. I didn’t mean to-”

“It’s okay. I know.”

There was a heavy silence on the line. I knew Genevieve was trying to figure out what to say. We never liked Isabella, not since the day she and Sam started getting close back in college. She always had a way of making everyone feel small, like they didn’t belong.

We’d whispered about her late into the night, our heads resting on pillows, talking about how she wasn’t right for him. How she’d never be. But now she was back, and I was the one being pushed out.

I knew she did not know what to say and I didn’t give her a chance to respond.

“I have to go,” I said before Genevieve could try to argue or offer more advice. I couldn’t take it. Not now. I ended the call, my fingers trembling as I dropped the phone into my bag. The rain soaked through my jacket, but I didn’t care. It matched the cold, sinking feeling in my chest

The walk home was a blur. By the time I reached the house, I was soaked and freezing. My body trembled, my mind a mess. I changed out of my wet clothes, barely able to stop shivering. I crawled into bed, pulling the covers tightly around me, desperate to feel some warmth.

I laid in bed thinking and reminiscing, tired from everything happening and wishing things could go back to how they were.

I must have fallen asleep at some point because when I woke up, the room was dim, the bedside lamp casting a soft glow.

I felt a warm hand gently stroking my back. My body stiffened, and I slowly turned to see Sam sitting beside me. His hand traced soft circles on my skin, like he used to do when things were good between us. I laid still as he planted kisses on my arms and my back moving to my neck.

Without a word, he placed his hand inside my shirt, his fingers roaming all over my stomach. I trembled slightly as he moved, teasing me. His fingers caressing my navel and then moving down just above my panties. I shivered but said nothing.

I laid there remembering the days when I loved him. It wasn’t always like this. We had been good friends, Sam and I. He was my best friend's older brother, the one who teased me, who made me laugh. Who protected me from Jacob. I had even once had a crush on him, but it was never real love. Not then.

Our parents arranged the marriage. At first, I hadn't been thrilled with the idea, but with time, things changed. Slowly, I fell for him—for his kindness, his gentle ways. The small things. The way he always brought me tea in the mornings or held my hand when I was scared.

My body began to respond to his touch. I arched my back slightly, rubbing against his groin. I inhaled deeply as I felt his erection. He wanted me. I wanted him too but how do I let go?

His hand began to fondle my breasts and I was losing it. My nipples were erect and hard now. All I wanted was for him to kiss me.

“Eleanora,” he whispered, his voice soft and full of concern. “I’m here. Talk to me, love.”

He didn't stop caressing my breasts or pressing into me. There was a hot liquid in between the folds of my thighs by this time and I parted my legs slightly.

The way he said my full name—it used to mean something special, a sign of our closeness. But now, it felt like a cruel reminder of how far we’d drifted apart.

I wanted to ask him why he was with Isabella. But when he touched me like that, a small part of me still longed for the connection we used to have. I sank into him and let him hold me for a moment, feeling my resolve weaken.

He kissed my hair and I chuckled.

“I'm sorry baby, thank you for bringing the watch for me”, he said softly, leaning to kiss me tenderly on the lips.

I grabbed his face in between my hands and kissed him back with vigour, feeling the taste of coffee on his lips, our tongues intertwining.

He paused and looked at me and I could see unbridled lust in his eyes.

“I miss you Sam”, I said.

“I miss you too honey,” he said and then pulled off my shirt, his hands cupping my breast.

I let out a gasp as he sucked it, thinking how long it had been since we made love. I began to unbuckle his belt and pulled down his trousers, wrapping my hand around the rigid part of him. I felt it in my hand and threw my head back and his tongue caressed my nipples.

Just then, his phone rang out loudly.

“Don't answer”, I begged, my voice a whisper, breathless with passion.

Sam dug his hand into his pocket and retrieved the phone. I saw the caller ID show “Isabella” before he climbed out of bed.

I felt stung instantly and the memory of her laughing with him, her hand lingering on his arm, made something snap inside me. I couldn’t do this anymore. I couldn’t pretend. Who was I fooling? Jacob was right.

With a sudden burst of strength, I yelled, “Stop. Just stop.”

Sam looked at me, confused, ending the call. “What’s wrong? Why are you acting like this?”

I wanted to tell him everything, to unburden all my feelings but the words would not come out.

He reached out and held my arm. “Eleanora…baby you can talk to me”.

I sat up, shrugging off his hand from my arm, irritated, my heart pounding. “I want a divorce,” I said, the words tumbling out before I could stop them.

Sam’s face went pale. “A divorce? You cannot be serious Nora!”

“But I am serious”, I yelled. “I’ve been thinking about this for a while, we don’t need to keep deceiving ourselves that we can make this work”.

The silence stretched between us, thick and heavy. I didn’t know what would happen next, but I knew one thing—I couldn’t go on like this.

“Okay, then.” Sam said quietly and left the room.

NORA'S POV

Sam walked out without looking back, leaving behind the thick silence of our bedroom. I sat frozen for a moment, the words I had just said ringing in my ears.

I had expected some form of reaction from Sam. Anything but coldness. Why wouldn't he fight for us?

In the middle of the night, I went downstairs to find him sleeping on the couch. I sighed and went back up with a broken heart.

Divorce. The word still hung in the air, heavy and impossible to take back. I sat down at the computer and sent an email to my lawyer to get the papers ready. I had toyed with the idea for months but now, it was reality.

I stood up and went to the window, staring out into the night. The cold air from the river about a mile away wafted into the room bringing with it the scent of water and the shouts of seamen. I looked at the garden below that extended to the dock that we never used. I let out a shaky breath, trying to collect myself. I’d done it. There was no undoing it now. The marriage was over.

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of my phone buzzing on the nightstand. My lawyer’s name flashed across the screen.

“Ms. Bennett, the papers are ready. Should I send them to Mr. Bennett's office?” her voice was crisp, businesslike.

“Yes, that’s fine,” I said, my voice hoarse. “Send them today.”

I hung up and sighed, staring at the ceiling. There it was—formal, final. A few signatures on a stack of papers, and our marriage would be nothing but a legal transaction.

I went downstairs and found that Sam was gone. He hadn't even bothered to say good morning. At least before we spoke formally. Today, he left without a word. I swallowed.

No more pretending. He would get the papers today, and then... what? Would he fight it? Would he even care?

I wasn’t sure I wanted to know the answer.

I moved around the bedroom, slowly packing my things into boxes. Each item I touched seemed to hold a memory of the life we used to share. I tossed my clothes into my suitcase, the movements mechanical, my thoughts far away.

I opened a drawer and found the small, wooden box that held my painting tools. My hands paused as I ran my fingers over the old brushes and inks.

I’m not a failure, I reminded myself. I still had my talent, my passion. Once I was out of this house, away from Sam and all the weight that came with him, I could finally focus on myself again. I moved to the basement and found some of my paintings that were wrapped and collecting dust down there.

Just as I was sealing the last box of my paintings, there was a knock at the door. I opened it to find Jacob standing there, his usual smug expression plastered on his face.

“So, it's true,” he sneered. “You and Sam are actually getting a divorce.”

I crossed my arms, refusing to give him the reaction he was looking for. “What do you want, Jacob?”

He leaned against the doorframe, that infuriating smirk never leaving his face. “I just came to see how long it would take for you to finally ruin everything. Sam’s better off without you. I mean, let’s be real—everyone knew you couldn’t keep him.”

“I know you are here to gloat…” I started.

He cut me off rudely, “oh but of course Eleanora,” he said and laughed sarcastically.

I felt a spark of anger flare in my chest. Jacob had always been like this, always trying to make me feel small, but not today.

“You know what, Jacob?” I stepped closer, my voice steady. “You’re right. Sam probably is better off without me. And you know what? So am I. I don’t need him. I don’t need any of you.”

Jacob blinked, taken aback by my words. He wasn’t used to me fighting back, but I was done playing the victim.

“Now, if you don’t mind,” I said, stepping back to shut the door, “I have a new life to get started on. And trust me, it’s going to be better than anything you could imagine.”

I slammed the door in his face before he could respond, my heart racing. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had taken back some control. I wasn’t going to let people like Jacob make me feel worthless anymore. I was done.

I was inside feeling triumphant and shaky when my phone rang. It was my lawyer. I took a deep breath and braced myself for impact. I had a glimmer of hope that maybe Sam would contest the divorce. Maybe drag it out.

I was wrong. Sam had signed the papers. My heart broke.

I decided to hasten my moving process and worked tirelessly packing my life into boxes. Towards evening, exhausted, I sat down to unwind with a bottle of red wine.

While scrolling through my phone, I saw a new post from Isabella on Pictory. I froze, staring at the picture of her and Sam at some fancy event, all smiles and champagne. They were sitting together, smiling at the camera, her hand around his, leaning into him. When had they taken this photo?!

The caption made my heart sink:

“New chapter ahead! So excited for what’s next! #togetheragain #partnership #grateful”

The comments were full of congratulations. People were cheering them on, talking like she was finally going to get what she always wanted. Some speculated that Sam had proposed to her. Like she deserved to be with Sam all along. They didn’t know the truth, how Sam and I had been falling apart for months. They just saw her—Isabella, the confident, successful one—and me? I was the one being forgotten.

I shivered and stood up, walking to the window. The rain had stopped, but the sky was still gray, reflecting my mood. Without thinking, I pulled off my wedding ring and stared at it. This little band had once meant everything to me. Now, it was just a reminder of everything I had lost.

I opened the window and, with a flick of my wrist, threw the ring out. It landed somewhere in the garden below, disappearing from sight. I didn’t care where it went. I just needed it gone.

I was finishing the last of the packing when I heard another knock. I opened the door to see Genevieve, her face soft with concern. She stepped in and pulled me into a hug before I could say anything.

She looked around the room, her eyes landing on the packed boxes. “So...where are you going? After the divorce, I mean.”

NORA'S POV

Her question hung in the air. Where was I going to go?

Genevieve stood by the window, her back to me. She turned around with a soft smile. “What’s the plan, Nora?”

I sighed. “Honestly? I’ve been thinking about what I used to love before... before Sam, before this life. Remember how I used to paint?”

Her eyes lit up. “Of course! You doodled everywhere, even on my notebooks!” She laughed, and we both smiled at the memory. "Don’t tell me you’ve started painting again?"

I nodded. “Yeah. It’s been keeping me sane. Actually, I applied to an art company abroad.”

Genevieve’s eyes widened. “Nora! That’s amazing! Where? When?”

“Paris. I got the offer a few weeks ago,” I said quietly.

Gen hugged me happily shouting for glee that I couldn’t help but laugh too.

“You’re going to crush me Gen”, I shouted, laughing hard, forgetting I had been sad few minutes ago.

“Paris! Tell me everything.”

Just as I was about to respond, a wave of dizziness hit me. The room spun, and I clutched the edge of the bed.

“Nora? What’s wrong?” Genevieve’s voice was full of concern.

“I don’t know... I’ve just been feeling off,” I admitted, rubbing my temple.

“You’ve been pale for days. Let’s go see my family’s doctor. He’ll know what to do,” she insisted.

“Your family’s doctor?” I frowned. Sam had never once mentioned taking me to see him. In fact, I always went to public hospitals like everyone else. Sam never thought I should be part of that world, I realized bitterly.

We arrived at the clinic, and Genevieve insisted she was going to wait outside. “Look, I already called him, he knows you're coming. You’ll get better answers if you go in alone.”

I stepped into the consultation room, feeling a knot of tension in my stomach. The nurse told me to feel comfortable that the doctor would soon be with me. I was expecting an elderly man but when the door opened, my breath caught in my throat.

It was Daniel.

My high school crush. My stomach fluttered. I hadn’t seen him in years. He looked different—better, somehow. His dark hair was longer, brushing the collar of his white coat, and his deep brown eyes, the same ones I used to dream about in high school, were warm and kind. He was taller, broader, with a confidence that made him seem both commanding and approachable. His sharp jawline and the way his lips curled into a soft smile stirred something deep inside me. He was effortlessly handsome, the kind of man who could make you feel seen just by looking at you.

“Nora?” His voice was soft, rich, and filled with surprise. “Wow, it’s been a long time.”

I managed a nervous smile. “Daniel... I didn’t know you were the Bennetts’ family doctor.”

He chuckled, a low, comforting sound that made my stomach flutter. “Yeah, small world, huh? It's really nice to see you again.”

He paused and stammered. “You look…you look even more beautiful than ever”, he said, his voice tight. I smiled softly but said nothing.

He then drew a chair and sat on it, moving close to me. “Let’s…uh…let's see what’s going on.”

He was so close to me that if I wanted to reach out and touch his hair, I could have.

“So,” he said, leaning forward slightly, his eyes locked on mine, “tell me what’s been happening.”

Distracted by his beautiful eyes, I stuttered as I explained how I’d been feeling dizzy, and he listened intently, nodding, his gaze never wavering from mine. There was something calming about the way he focused on me, like nothing else in the world mattered in that moment.

After a few more questions, Daniel’s expression turned serious. “Nora, when was your last period?”

I blinked, caught off guard. “I’m not sure... I’ve been so stressed I didn’t notice.”

He paused, his brows furrowing slightly. “I think we should run a pregnancy test. Just to rule it out.”

Pregnancy.

The word hit me like a tidal wave. Could I really be pregnant? Now, of all times? I nodded, too shocked to speak. I watched mechanically as Daniel drew my blood into a vial.

He left the room to run the test, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts. What would I do if I was pregnant? Could I handle it? And Sam—how would he react? Did I even want him to know?

When Daniel returned, his expression was soft, but serious. He sat down next to me, close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from him.

“Nora... the test came back positive.”

I gasped, my hand flying to my mouth. I was pregnant. My chest tightened as a mix of emotions flooded through me—fear, confusion, disbelief.

Daniel reached out and gently touched my arm, his thumb brushing my skin in a way that sent a shiver through me. His touch was tender, grounding. “I know this is a lot to take in,” he said softly. “But you’re not alone. I’m here for you, whatever you need. I'll prescribe some drugs for you…”

We conversed for a while after that like old friends.

“So,” Daniel said after a pause, a small smile playing on his lips, “Paris, huh?”

I nodded, my heart still pounding. “Yeah. I need to focus on my career. I’m not ready for... anything else.”

His smile didn’t fade. “That’s okay. I get it. Actually, I’m going to Paris too. I’ve been accepted into a medical fellowship there.”

My eyes widened. “Wait, you’re going to Paris?”

He chuckled. “Yeah. Looks like we might be seeing a lot of each other.”

Something in my chest fluttered at the thought, but I quickly pushed it down. This wasn’t the time to get swept up in feelings. Not with everything going on.

Just as I was starting to relax, something clicked in my mind, and my heart sank.

Daniel was Sam’s family doctor.

My eyes widened in panic, and I grabbed his arm. “Daniel… Can Sam not know about this?”

I didn’t want Sam involved. Not now, not ever. He couldn’t be part of this new chapter in my life. I needed to protect my baby, protect myself. I couldn’t let him know. I didn't need the complication a baby would bring. We were divorced and I need it to stay that way. I was done with Sam.

Before Daniel could respond, my phone rang. The name on the screen made my heart stop.

It was Sam.