Chapter 5

I couldn't hold it in anymore. I bolted to the bathroom and dry-heaved over the toilet.

By the end, streaks of bright red blood stained the bowl.

The sheer disgust of that scene choked me.

It wasn't just Tiffany's pathetic act. Damian, the man who had shared my bed for seven years, disgusted me to my very core.

Sleeping with his brother's widow on the anniversary of his brother's death—how could he stomach himself?

I walked straight into the study, printed out a divorce agreement, and packed my bags.

Everything I couldn't take with me—especially the thousands of photos documenting our seven years together—I threw into the metal fireplace and set ablaze.

Love had burned to ash. There was no point in keeping any of it.

"Stop it!"

Fresh out of the shower, Damian rushed into the room, his eyes going wide at the burning photos turning to gray dust.

He dove frantically toward the fire, scorching his bare hands as he tried to salvage whatever scraps he could.

I watched him quietly, then held out the signed divorce papers.

"Sign it. I get full custody of Lily."

His face twisted with rage, and he tore the papers to shreds.

"Tiffany is unstable! I had no choice! Did you want me to just stand by and watch her die in front of me?"

"Clara, please, just give me a little more time! I'm sending her to the hospital in the next couple of days, and then I'll come home and dedicate my life to you and our daughter!"

A hollow laugh escaped my lips.

Really?

Too bad, Damian. I don't want a life with you anymore.