Chapter 2 We are divorced

"Sign the damn paper, Aurora!"

Ethan's hand slammed against the glass desk, making the cup on top tremble violently, nearly falling. His voice exploded in the quiet office, causing Aurora to instinctively take a step back.

His eyes were bloodshot, filled with a rage he could no longer hide. But Aurora didn't flinch. Her body trembled slightly, yet her gaze remained firm, locked onto Ethan's.

"I told you, I won't sign it," Aurora said calmly, though her heart ached. "You can't treat me like trash after-"

"After I touched you?" Ethan cut in, laughing bitterly. "Don't be a hypocrite, Aurora. You married me because your family needed money. And you stayed because you hoped I'd fall in love with you and shower you with wealth."

Aurora fell silent. Not because he was right-but because his words hurt too much to respond.

"So this is what you've thought of me all this time?" she whispered. "That I'm just a gold digger, here for your money?"

Ethan didn't answer. Instead, he opened a drawer, pulled out a thick envelope of cash, and threw it at her. The money scattered at her feet.

"Take it," Ethan snapped. "Compensation. And this too-" He tossed a shiny platinum credit card. "There's enough on there to keep you comfortable without clinging to me."

Aurora closed her eyes, holding her breath, holding her rage-and most of all, holding back her tears.

You're strong, Aurora. Don't cry in front of him.

"So after taking my dignity, you think you can buy me?" her voice trembled, yet steady.

Ethan scoffed. "You never loved me. You just loved being Mrs. Blackwell."

Aurora lowered her gaze, staring at the pile of money and the glittering card on the floor. Her fists clenched. Then she lifted her head again, her eyes filled with pain, but also pride.

"I didn't love you?" she laughed bitterly. "If all I wanted was the title, I'd have taken the money yesterday. But look at me, Ethan! I'm standing here not to beg-but waiting for you to admit the truth. That I scare you... because I make you feel alive."

Ethan stiffened.

"Yes," Aurora continued, her voice sharp and piercing. "You're scared because you're starting to feel comfortable with me. Scared because you're starting to like me-even when your mouth says otherwise. So you're pushing me away before your feelings get any deeper."

He looked away.

Aurora gave a wounded smile, then turned her back. "But you're right about one thing."

She walked past the scattered money without touching it.

"I don't love you anymore."

Her footsteps echoed through the cold marble room. As she opened the door, Ethan remained frozen, like a statue drained of life.

Aurora glanced over her shoulder, her final words calm but storm-laden:

"I'll sign the divorce papers-but not because you told me to. I'll do it because I refuse to stay with a man who disrespects a woman's worth."

And she left. Leaving Ethan-and everything she once believed was her home.

---

Hours later...

Rain poured outside Aurora's apartment. She sat at the edge of her bed, dressed in a hoodie and sweatpants, her face bare, her eyes swollen.

Rachel, her best friend, arrived with a big bag of food and ice cream.

"I told you not to go see Ethan alone," Rachel scolded as she kicked off her shoes. "But you're stubborn."

"I needed to end it properly," Aurora whispered. "And... I did."

Rachel looked at her. "You really left all that money behind?"

Aurora nodded. "Yes. That money doesn't solve anything. Even if he gave me a mansion and luxury cars... his heart would still be closed to me. That's what hurts more."

Rachel sighed. "I'm serious, Ro. You're the most patient woman I've ever known. But now... it's time to stop being the victim."

Aurora turned to her. "You know what's funny? I always believed marriage could heal two broken people. But now I know... unhealed wounds only spread and hurt everyone around them."

"You're not alone. I'm here." Rachel hugged her tight. "And one day, Ethan's going to look back and realize... he lost a gem that money could never buy."

---

Meanwhile, at the Blackwell estate...

Ethan still stood in his wrecked office. The money and credit card lay untouched on the floor.

He stared at the door Aurora had walked through-hoping, perhaps, she'd return to yell, cry... anything, just not leave for good.

But Aurora didn't return.

And deep down, Ethan knew...

He had made a mistake.

A big one.

---

A few days later...

Aurora officially signed the divorce papers. She did it alone. No lawyer. No drama. No tears.

When the documents were returned to the Blackwell family's law firm, Ethan didn't open the folder. He just stared at it for a long time... then locked it in a drawer.

Like sealing a wound he wasn't ready to face.

---

One month passed.

Aurora began working at a small boutique owned by a friend. She kept herself busy, slowly learning to laugh again-though she still cried some nights.

But the wound that had once been raw... had started to scar.

One day, while setting up the window display, her phone rang. The caller ID showed a familiar number.

Ethan Blackwell.

Her hand instinctively moved to answer... but stopped.

She stared at the screen for a long time.

Then... pressed Decline.

A small smile formed on her lips.

"I don't want to see you anymore."