Chapter 2 Let's End This

Leaning in, Lena whispered by Theo's ear, her voice a gentle murmur, "Theo... your grandpa thinks it's time for us to start a family."

Theo froze, his breath caught in his throat. Moments later, he responded with a derisive chuckle, "Lena, we've been over this before our wedding. Don't overstep."

His stance had been set in stone from the start.

With a firm and distant demeanor, he had cautioned her not to expect anything more than her role as his wife. Love, affection-these were off the table.

Their three-year marriage had been nothing more than shared living spaces, devoid of even a simple kiss.

Lena found herself questioning-was he reserving himself for Violet?

For years, Theo had maintained a strict boundary between them. Yet, now with Violet's return, he began to change-nights spent away, his clothes faintly carrying her scent.

Was it possible they were already intimate?

This thought tormented Lena, igniting a fiery jealousy within her. How was Violet any better than her?

Overwhelmed by her emotions, Lena abruptly pulled him closer by his belt and kissed his throat, catching Theo off guard.

Her laughter was bitter as she taunted, "Isn't this what spouses do? Or are you impotent?"

Such provocations were dangerous, particularly with a man like Theo.

She noticed the immediate shift in his demeanor, a fleeting triumph on her lips, but he quickly pushed her back. His hand brushed against her shoulder where the surgical pins lay hidden, sending a sharp pain through her.

Theo tried to keep his desire in check, his voice indifferent. "You're still healing from that accident at the gallery. Maybe focus on that instead of stirring up trouble."

Though his tone was softer, Lena felt the sting even more acutely, the words slicing through her deeper than before.

Indeed, he was aware.

He was fully aware of the pain she had endured, and despite the numerous calls she made seeking his support, he remained distant, unresponsive.

The pain was so overwhelming that she could no longer distinguish if the agony was from her physical injury or the heartbreak.

Tears threatened to spill as she clamped down on her lip to restrain them.

Perhaps, she would never win Theo's heart.

Gathering her courage, she attempted to change the topic. "I heard about the new chief designer position... Could I perhaps-"

Theo interjected sharply, his gaze hardening, "Is that what this is all about?"

She was stunned into silence. He didn't let her justify herself. With a look of scorn, he regarded her. "Lena, my firm is not a place for your experiments. Being my wife doesn't entitle you to whims. Without genuine talent, you'd only embarrass yourself."

Talent?

So, he truly had no clue about her. He was oblivious to the fact that she had studied design in college.

That was when she remembered the job offer from a famous foreign brand-Fable & Verse that she had ignored a year ago. They had wanted her as their chief designer.

But at that time, she was too consumed by her feelings for Theo and had rejected it outright.

She had sacrificed her dreams repeatedly, chasing after a heart that was never attainable.

Now, as she stood amidst the wreckage of her delusions, Lena realized the truth.

She gazed up at Theo, her voice dripping with biting sarcasm. "Is that it then? I almost died setting up an art show for Violet Ford, and you can't even consider me for a design role?"

Theo pulled away sharply, his voice harsh and unforgiving. "Don't act like you're the martyr here. It was a minor injury. And before you start demanding things, perhaps reflect on whether you're worthy of them."

He didn't stop there. "Violet is a creative genius-a globally acclaimed artist. She's made her mark. And you?" he scoffed coldly. "Your biggest achievement is leveraging yourself to me. What else can you even do?"

Each word felt like a jagged piece of glass piercing her heart.

Lena looked at him, the man she once believed was everything, now nothing but a cruel distortion.

So this was the disdain he harbored for her.

"Alright," she replied sharply, her voice thick with sarcasm. "I'll never be Violet. I'll never be enough for you. In that case, Theo, let's end this. Go find your perfect happiness with her."

She was through trying to warm a heart that was evidently frozen.

Theo's face twisted into a contemptuous sneer. He clearly thought she was just bluffing. "Fine. But don't come begging to me when you start regretting this decision."

He then stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Left alone, Lena sat up on the bed, tears streaming down her face as she stared at the closed door.

So cruel.

This marriage had become unbearably cruel.