Sophia didn't leave after hearing those words. She didn't scream. She didn't throw anything. She didn't slap him. She didn't make a scene like the ones she often saw in movies.

Instead, she simply stood there in silence as the truth slowly consumed what little hope she had left.

"I don't know if I love you anymore."

The words echoed in her mind over and over again like a broken record. Like a curse that refused to let her go.

She stared at Adrian. The man who had once promised to love her forever. The man who had once sworn he would never hurt her. The man who had once treated her like she was his entire world.

It was almost funny because now, she looked like nothing more than a stranger in his eyes. A quiet laugh escaped her lips. She shook her head slightly. That was when Adrian frowned.

"Sophia—"

"Don't."

He immediately fell silent. It was probably the first time in their entire marriage that she had stopped him from speaking and perhaps he hadn't expected it. She gripped the edge of the desk, not because she was weak but because she felt like her knees might give out at any moment. It felt as though all her strength had disappeared.

Her chest hurt and it felt tight and heavy. As if she might collapse at any second.

"How long have you been trying to leave me?" she asked directly.

The question clearly caught Adrian off guard. His expression froze, and he didn't answer right away and that was enough.

She already knew that it had been a long time. He had wanted out of their marriage for a long time. He had wanted to be free of her for a long time.

She was the only one holding on. The only one fighting. The only one still in love. While Adrian had already given up.

She let out a slow breath and nodded to herself. As if she was finally accepting something she had been avoiding for years.

She bit her lip.

"Okay."

Adrian's eyes widened slightly.

"Okay?" he repeated.

She nodded. What else could she do?

"Okay."

And for the first time in a very long time, she felt a strange sense of peace. It hurt terribly but at least she finally knew the truth. It felt like she had been drowning for years and had only now managed to take a breath.

"You know," she said softly, "I used to think there was something wrong with me."

Adrian remained silent. He simply looked at her.

No words nor emotion and not even pity.

"I actually believed that." A sad smile appeared on her face. "I thought I wasn't pretty enough anymore. I thought I wasn't enough. I thought something was missing in me."

Tears continued to fall down her cheeks. Every word felt like a weight being lifted from her chest.

Adrian lowered his gaze and he couldn't even look at her properly but she no longer cared.

She wouldn't care anymore and it wasn't easy.

She still loved him but if that love was no longer enough, there was nothing else she could do.

"That's why I kept crying. That's why I kept blaming myself. That's why no matter what I did, you never came back to me."

She took a deep breath.

"Because the problem was never me."

Silence filled the room once again and for the first time since discovering the affair, she felt a piece of herself returning.

The part of Sophia she had lost while trying to save a marriage that had been dead for a long time.

"You're right."

Adrian looked at her and a small frown appeared on his face.

"About what?"

She met his eyes. She looked at him for several long moments before giving him a smile. It was probably the saddest smile Adrian had ever seen from her.

"Maybe you really don't love me anymore."

For a moment, it looked like he wanted to say something but she didn't let him.

"Don't worry."

Her voice was soft, though she tried her best to sound stronger.

"I won't force you anymore."

And finally, she said the words she should have said a long time ago.

That night, Sophia slept without tears for the first time. Not because she was happy and not because she was okay. But because she was simply too exhausted to cry anymore.

She sat on the edge of the bed, staring at a photograph of her and Adrian. It was their wedding photo. It had been taken seven years ago.

They were smiling in the picture and anyone could see how happy they had been. How full of dreams they were.

She gently touched the frame. As if she was afraid of breaking it. Just as Adrian had broken them. A single tear rolled down her cheek and perhaps it would be the last tear she ever shed for him.

"Goodbye."

The word came out as a whisper. Barely audible. Yet loud enough for her own heart to hear. Then she placed the photograph back inside the drawer and closed it.

Like closing a chapter of her life.

The next morning, Sophia woke up with a decision. She would not beg. She would not chase after him anymore. She would not ask why. And she would never beg someone to love her again. She was done giving Adrian more chances.

After taking a shower and getting dressed, she picked up her phone. There was one number she had kept for a long time.

A number she had hoped she would never need but that day had finally come. She pressed the call button. After a few rings, someone answered.

"Hello?"

Sophia took a deep breath. Maybe this was the moment she had been waiting for. The moment she finally chose herself. There was nothing wrong with that.

"Attorney Reyes?"

"Yes?"

She closed her eyes briefly. She knew what she was about to do would be difficult but she also knew it was necessary.

"I'd like to start divorce proceedings."

There was a brief silence. Then she heard the lawyer's professional voice.

"Of course, Mrs. Gonzaga. We can schedule a meeting today."

Sophia nodded even though the lawyer couldn't see her.

"Thank you."

After ending the call, she remained standing by the window. She didn't cry and she didn't shake. And she didn't change her mind.

There was only one thing she knew. For the first time in years, she was doing something for herself. And despite the pain, she felt something she had not felt in a very long time.

Freedom.

On the other side of the city, Adrian had no idea that his wife had just visited a lawyer. He had no idea that Sophia had already started the process of ending their marriage. He didn't know that she had stopped choosing him because at last, she had learned to choose herself.

And by the time Adrian realized it...

it might already be too late.

Three days had passed since Sophia decided to end her marriage. And during those three days, she had not felt any relief. She thought that once she made her decision, everything would become easier. She thought that once she accepted that it was over, the pain would lessen but that wasn't how it worked.

Because no matter how painful the truth was, she still loved Adrian and that was the biggest problem. She didn't need to learn how to forget him. She needed to learn how to let him go while she still loved him. She was sitting in her small library on the second floor of the house.

The room was quiet, with only the soft sound of the wind coming from outside. Maybe that was better. At least the silence gave her mind a little peace.

In front of her was a blank sheet of paper. Beside it was an expensive fountain pen. A gift Adrian had given her on their second wedding anniversary. A bitter smile crossed her lips. She still couldn't believe he had done all of this.

Back then, Adrian knew everything about her. Everything. Her favorite color, her favorite books and even the exact coffee she liked.

But now? He probably didn't even know her favorite food anymore. It was sad to think about. But what else could she do?

Sometimes, love alone isn't enough to keep a relationship alive. She took a slow breath. Then she began to write.

~~~

Adrian,

I don't know how to start this letter.

Maybe because I never imagined we would reach a point where I would have to write you a goodbye letter.

When I married you, I believed you would be the person I would spend the rest of my life with.

I believed that no matter how difficult life became, we could get through it as long as we were together.

I was wrong. Not because I didn't love you. But because it turns out I was the only one still fighting for us.

~~~

Sophia stopped writing. Her vision was slowly becoming blurry not because she didn't know what to write next. But because every word she put on the paper felt like a knife slowly cutting into her heart.

Still, she continued.

~~~

I don't know when you stopped loving me. I don't know when I stopped being enough for you. You know, for a long time, I blamed myself. I thought maybe if I were prettier, more understanding, maybe if I were a better wife and maybe you would have chosen me.

But now I understand.

I know I cannot control your choices. It is not my fault that you chose to break the promises we made to each other.

~~

A tear fell onto the paper. She quickly wiped it away. She didn't want the words to disappear. She didn't want to leave anything unsaid. Because this was probably the last time she would ever pour out everything in her heart.

~~~

I'm tired, Adrian. I'm tired of waiting. I'm tired of hoping. I'm tired of loving someone who stopped choosing me a long time ago. And finally, I have learned to choose myself. Not because I stopped loving you but because if I continue loving you this way, I will completely lose myself.

I hope you find happiness. I hope you find whatever it is you're looking for.

And I hope that one day, you will understand how deeply I loved you.

Goodbye.

— Sophia

~~~

For a long time, she stared at the letter. She barely moved. It felt as if a part of her had died while writing it.

Slowly, she folded the paper and placed it inside a white envelope. Then she wrote her husband's name on the front.

Adrian Gonzaga.

That evening, she ate dinner alone once again and Adrian still wasn't home. Of course, she wasn't surprised anymore and strangely, it didn't hurt as much. Or perhaps she was simply getting used to it.

A few minutes later, her phone buzzed. A message from Mia.

Her friend was probably worried about her. Ever since Mia had called her, Sophia hadn't replied much.

Mia: How are you?

A small smile appeared on Sophia's face. At least someone still cared.

Sophia: Still breathing.

Only a few seconds later, Mia replied.

Mia: And Adrian?

Sophia stared at the message for a long moment and then she slowly typed her response.

Sophia: I'm letting him go.

She didn't add anything else. She didn't need to. Mia understood exactly what those words meant.

Around eleven that night, Sophia heard Adrian arrive home. The front door opened and footsteps echoed through the house. The soft sound of keys being placed on a table followed.

Nothing seemed different. Just like every other night but everything was different now because inside her drawer was an envelope waiting to be given.

And inside that envelope was the official end of everything. Beneath the letter were the divorce papers her lawyer had prepared.

Only one thing was missing. Adrian's signature.

Just one signature and their seven-year marriage would finally come to an end.

Sophia closed her eyes tightly. As if she were praying. As if she were asking for strength because she knew the moment was coming.

Very soon.

She didn't know how Adrian would react. She didn't know if he would be angry. If he would laugh. If he would be indifferent or if he would feel nothing at all but one thing was certain.

Within the next few days, she would give him the letter. Along with the divorce papers. And after that...

There would be no going back. No second chances and no more hope. It will be over or at least, that was what Sophia believed because she had no idea that only a few days from now, an accident would change everything.

And the letter she had written as a farewell would become the beginning of a story she never expected to live.

Sophia couldn't wait any longer.

For three days, she had carried the letter with her. For three days, she had stared at the divorce papers hidden inside her drawer. And with every day that passed, she became more certain of one thing.

There was nothing left to save. Nothing left to discuss and nothing left worth fighting for.

Adrian had given up on their marriage a long time ago and he had already walked away long before she found the courage to admit it.

For years, she had held on tightly, believing she could save what they once had. But now? Now it was her turn to let go.

She stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in their bedroom, her arms wrapped around herself as she stared at the glittering city lights below. The view used to comfort her but tonight, it felt empty.

It was already nine o'clock and as usual, Adrian still wasn't home.

A bitter smile tugged at her lips. There was a time when she would have been pacing the room by now. Checking the clock every few minutes, calling him and texting him. Worrying about whether he had eaten dinner or if he was driving safely. Back then, every minute he was late felt unbearable.

Now? Nothing. No anxiety, there’s no anger. No disappointment, just emptiness. It was as if a part of her heart had finally died.

Then she heard the sound of the front door opening downstairs. A few seconds later came the familiar footsteps. She would recognize those footsteps anywhere. Adrian was home.

Sophia closed her eyes and drew in a slow breath. This was it. There was no turning back now. No more delays, excuses, nor hoping.

A few minutes later, the bedroom door opened and Adrian stepped inside while adjusting his cufflinks. He looked exhausted. His tie was slightly loosened, and there were faint shadows beneath his eyes.

Once upon a time, seeing him like this would have filled her with concern. She would have rushed over and asked if he had eaten. If he was okay. If work had been difficult. Tonight, she felt nothing.

He glanced toward her and looked slightly surprised to see her awake.

"You're awake."

Sophia smiled but there was no warmth behind it. No affection and no love, just pure sadness.

"We need to talk."

Immediately, a frown appeared on Adrian's face. The reaction told her everything. He already knew. He knew exactly where this conversation was heading.

Instead of answering, he placed his phone on the bedside table and looked at her.

"About what?"

A soft laugh escaped her lips. The sound was bitter and almost broken.

"Seriously?"

Adrian sighed heavily. "Sophia."

"About us."

And silence hugged the entire room. The kind of silence that hurts more than words. And in that silence, Sophia knew she was right.

He didn't want to talk about it. He didn't want to face it. Avoiding things was easier and pretending nothing was wrong was easier. But not tonight.

Tonight, there would be no escape.

She walked toward the bed and carefully placed the envelope on top of it. Adrian's eyes immediately dropped to it and then back to her.

"What's that?"

She didn't answer right away. Instead, she simply looked at him. Maybe for the last time as his wife. She deserved at least that much.

She had loved this man for seven years. Seven years of memories, dreams, and believing they would grow old together. And now, standing in front of him, she felt like she was looking at a stranger.

A stranger wearing the face of the man she once loved.Sometimes she wondered if those years had been a mistake. If she had wasted them loving someone who was never meant to stay.

"Open it."

Slowly, Adrian picked up the envelope. The moment he saw the contents, his entire body went still. It was a letter, divorce paper to be exact. Shock flashed across his face before he quickly hid it.

For several long moments, he simply stared at the documents. Neither of them spoke.

Sophia wanted him to say something. She wanted a reaction. She wanted him to fight for her. Wanted him to tell her not to leave.

Wanted him to say—

No.

She immediately pushed the thought away. She couldn't do that to herself anymore.

Finally, Adrian spoke.

"You already made your decision."

It wasn't a question. It sounded more like a statement. And somehow, that hurt even more because it didn't sound like he intended to stop her.

Sophia nodded. "Yes."

Silence settled between them once again. And despite everything… A tiny part of her still hoped. A foolish little part of her heart. Maybe he would ask her to stay. Maybe he would tell her they could fix this. Maybe he would finally say he still loved her.

Maybe—

"Is there really no way to fix this?"

Sophia closed her eyes. For one brief second, hope flickered inside her chest. But when she opened her eyes again, reality crushed it immediately. That wasn't the question of a man in love. That wasn't the question of someone afraid to lose his wife. It was the question of a man who didn't want complications.

A man looking for the easiest way out. And just like that, the last piece of hope inside her disappeared.

"I'm the one who should be asking that."

Adrian rubbed his forehead and let out a tired sigh.

"What do you want me to say, Sophia?"

The pain in her chest deepened because sometimes, a person's tone said more than their words ever could. And he told her exactly how little she meant to him now.

"What happened to us?"

Her voice came out barely above a whisper. It was the question that had haunted her for months. The question that kept her awake at night. The question she had been too afraid to ask.

Adrian frowned and then slowly shook his head.

"I don't know."

A tear slipped down her cheek. She laughed bitterly.

"Really? Really, Adrian?"

Still nothing, no reaction and no answer.

Sophia stepped closer until only a small distance separated them.

"When you married me, you loved me." Her voice trembled. "When you promised forever, I believed you." Another tear fell. "When you said I was the only woman you would ever love..."

Her voice broke completely and the pain was unbearable but she forced herself to continue.

"When did that change?"

The silence felt suffocating and when Adrian finally answered, the last remaining pieces of her heart shattered.

"I don't know when it happened." His voice was cold. "But things changed." He paused and then looked away. "And I don't feel the same anymore."

The world stopped. Sophia couldn't hear anything after that. The room disappeared and the city lights vanished. Even the sound of her own breathing faded away because those words alone were enough to destroy everything.

I don't feel the same anymore.

The man she loved had finally said it out loud.

The tears came freely now and she didn't bother wiping them away. There was no point. Nothing left to hide.

For a long time, she simply stared at him. Then she slowly nodded. As if she were finally accepting a truth she had been running from for months.

"Okay."

Adrian frowned. "Okay?"

She nodded again.

"Okay."

And for the first time in months, she had no more questions. No more doubts and no more hope because she finally had her answer.

Adrian Gonzaga no longer loved her and nothing in the world could hurt more than that.

Quietly, she picked up the divorce papers and placed them back in front of him.

"You have everything you need." Her voice was soft. "Just read them."

Then she turned away slowly, as if every step hurt because it did. It felt like she was leaving a piece of herself behind.

Seven years of love. Seven years of dreams. Seven years of hope. All of it was ending tonight.

When she reached the bedroom door, she stopped. Her hand rested on the doorknob but she didn't turn around. She couldn't because if she looked back… She might break. She might stay. She might hope again and she was tired of hoping.

So instead, she took one final breath and spoke the words she had been carrying in her heart for far too long.

"Goodbye, Adrian."

This time, she didn't wait for an answer because some endings didn't need one.