The Wife He Betrayed Is the Woman He Can’t Reach Anymore

I can't do this any longer. I want to step down from being Sebastian's Executive Assistant. And I'm ready to divorce him.

The attorney looked at her like she had said something forbidden, No. You can't do that. This marriage is not something you can just walk out on. No matter what Sebastian did to you, you just have to bear it all in. That's your duty as his wife.

Aria and Sebastian had been married for five yearsBut no one knew about it. They only knew her as his Executive Assistant and the main reason his company became so successful.

Just two weeks ago, Aria was attacked by a notorious stalker. It was at midnight, and she had been driving back from working overtime when the stalker blocked her path with his truck. The stalker then took her phone and called Sebastian over and over, demanding that he come save her or else he would kill her.

But Sebastian had just ignored the call like it was a joke. In the end, the stalker hit Aria with a bat, before dumping her unconscious body at the side of the road. Then, he took her car and everything she had with her.

Thankfully, a taxi driver found her and rushed her to the hospital.

While Aria was fighting for her life that same night, Sebastian was in a club with Jasmine his wife's younger sister.

That was the moment Aria knew that all her efforts had been in vain. The five years of marriage with Sebastian that she had cherished so much, the Executive Assistant position in his company that she carried like a badge of honorIt was all for nothing.

It hit her then. She had only been fooling herself thinking she was living a graceful life. But she was tired now and ready to walk away from this make-believe life. She was done playing the loyal wife to a man who treated her like air.

That is my final decision. I'm not changing it. Aria affirmed strongly, a serious look on her face, Don't worry. Sebastian will agree to my decision. He wants me gone too.

Aria had known all those years that her husband only saw her as the working machine to get him moving forwardhe never once saw her as his wife to love.

But Aria had always been sincere about himright from college. She had loved him hopelessly. And when he finally asked her to be his girlfriend six years ago, she jumped with excitementAlerting the whole school that the guy she had a crush on for years was finally asking her out.

They got married after leaving college a year later.

In a few weeks, it would be their fifth anniversary. She figured she would give him exactly what he always wantedA wife-free life, which was also a work and burden-free life for her.

???

When Aria returned to the house that same day, she met Sebastian baking in the kitchen.

Aria recalled the first year of their marriageSebastian had always tried to avoid the kitchen, but when Aria said she liked to eat homemade pastries, he had enrolled in a baking class just to make it for her.

What took you so long? I'm sure there wasn't much work left at the office. He asked.

Even with a smear of flour across his cheek, his Sharp jawline and tousled hair made him look like he walked out of a magazine.

Aria quickly composed herself, The company is launching a new product line. I've been working overtime to meet deadlines.

Sebastian didn't bother to ask any more questions. He believed she loved working, Yeah, sure. I made you something to eat. Take a seat,

Aria did as he asked. Sebastian passed a plate of baked salmon to her, I know this is your favorite. Have some,

A sharp pain pierced through Aria's heart.

Baked Salmon was Jasmine and Sebastian's favorite. Aria was a vegetarian.

Their fifth anniversary was coming soon, and he still didn't know that much about her.

If he had shown just a little bit more interest in her than following Jasmine around, he would have known.

What? You are not hungry? Sebastian asked when he noticed that she wasn't eating.

Aria stood up from her seat. She picked the plate of salmon and dropped it on the counter, far from her, before walking over to pull out a huge envelope from her bag.

I'm not hungry. There is something important I need you to do now.

Did you just shove away the meal I made for you because of work? Sebastian hated anything work-related. Aria always wondered how he was able to think of handling a whole company.

She placed the document in front of him. But just as Sebastian was about to reach for it, his phone started to ring.

I have to take this. It's an important business call. He lied,

Aria had already seen that it was Jasmine calling him.

Sebastian tried to get out of the kitchen as soon as possible, clearly eager to take Jasmine's call. But in his haste, he bumped into Aria. She lost her balance and fell to the floor. Blood trickling down from a fresh scrape on her knee.

Sebastian had no idea what he had done. He spent twenty minutes on the call with Jasmine before he briefly came back to the kitchen. I have somewhere important to be. Don't wait for me.

You have to sign them. It's important. Aria reminded him, stretching the documents to him.

Sebastian gazed at her with furrowed brows, You are wasting my time. He grabbed the pen and hastily signed them.

Good. You can go. Aria nodded.

But he was already gone.

She stared at the door, then down at the folder. She let out a cold laugh.

If Sebastian had taken even one second to read what he was signing, he wouldve seenIt wasnt just a regular work document.

It was her resignation letter,

her divorce papers,

and the share transfer giving her full control of her 30% stake in his company.

He had just lost his wife, his right hand, and a third of his empire.

And he didnt even notice.

Sebastian had always been crazy about JasmineArias younger sister and the one their parents only acknowledged as their true daughter.

Twenty-six years ago, Aria was kidnapped from the hospital just hours after she was born. Believing she was gone forever, her parents adopted Jasmineanother baby born that same night.

Years later, Aria was found. The woman who kidnapped her had raised her in a small coastal town.

A DNA test confirmed the truth.

Aria was the daughter of the Hartwells. The real heiress. But by then, Jasmine had already taken her placein their home, their hearts, and Sebastian's life.

The Hartwells welcomed Aria back with smiles, but they never let go of Jasmine.

Selene, Aria's mother had said, She may not have come from me, but she is mine in every other way. We raised her, Aria. I can't turn my back on her now.

Aria was made to believe that people would judge Jasmine if they found out that she was adopted.

So to everyone, Jasmine was known as the true heiress of the Hartwells, while they knew Aria as the one whom the family had adopted out of some goodwill.

Sebastian and Jasmine had been each other's sweethearts since kindergarten. But just a month before their wedding, Jasmine met a young political prodigy in Dubai and decided to follow her dreams there.

Since the Hartwells had already promised the Kingsleys Jasmine's hand in marriage, they had no choice but to request Aria to take her place.

Without a flicker of emotion, Sebastian had agreed.

But, just two months ago, Jasmine appeared from nowhereAnd Sebastian ran back to her, turning his back on Aria.

To make Aria give up on bearing his family name, he had even posted a photo on his story, hinting that Jasmine was pregnant with his child.

Aria had also seen videos of them talking.

Sebastian had said, Aria has been a good wife. Both our families will question me if I suddenly ask for a divorce. We need to drag her through the mud, so her parents would only blame her.

You have both been married for five years. Did you ever consider her as the woman you love? Jasmine had asked,

No. Never. She was only meant to take your place for a while. I only agreed to marry her because I knew you would come back to me.

Aria had always thought that if she showed Sebastian enough love and support, he would feel the same for her.

But, she had expected too much from him.

She wiped a tear from her eyes as she pulled out her diary from her handbag.

It was on their fourth anniversary that Aria set a rule for herselfIf Sebastian ignored her even once more, she would no longer remind him that she existed.

He had made her bleed and cry todayall because of jasmine. That was enough.

That night, she placed three envelopes in her diary, sealed it, and then hid it in the last drawer by Sebastian's nightstandA place he barely opened.

That was her final anniversary gift to him.

Everything in there happened because of him. He would definitely love to be reminded of them.

With all set and done, Aria searched for her old phone and called a number she had previously blocked six years ago.

Dante. Do you still want me?

She didn't get a response for a minute and thought it wasn't connected.

But his deep, velvet voice echoed out a second later, Aria. I've been waiting for you. It's been six years since you left me and went with that Sebastian guy. I've been in the same place waiting for you all these years. How come you suddenly remember me?

His name was Dante Wolfe. Two years younger than her and crazy about her since they were little.

They grew up in the same small coastal town and he was her protector. Not until her biological parents came and took her away.

Then she foolishly fell head over heels for Sebastian and forgot about him.

Aria inhaled sharply, You know what? This was a mistake. Forget that I called. I won't do it ever again. She was about to hang up but Dante's sudden grunt made her freeze.

Don't disappear on me again. I won't be able to survive it for the second time. Remember you called me first, don't complain or back out laterbecause I'm about to give my all to you.

Time is running out. I can only wait two weeks for you to finish things off with that scumbag. If you don't, then Ill have to take matters into my own hands. He hinted darkly.

Dante hung up almost immediately, not even giving her a space to oppose. And that was what she had always liked about him.

He still likes being in control. She chuckled softly.

Not surprisingly, Sebastian didn't come home for two nights.

Good for Aria. She had enough time to start moving some of her things out without him noticing.

She was in their home library, clearing out all the old business books she had read to help Sebastian run his company when he walked in.

What are you doing?

Aria gasped slightly at his sudden presence. But she quickly recovered, forcing a tiny smile on her face.

Since we're launching a new product line. I thought it would be a good move to donate these books to underprivileged studentsIn your name, of course. It'll reflect well on the companyand on you.

A subtle grin appeared on Sebastian's face. Hearing it was all for his benefit was exactly what he needed. You always do what you want anyway.

Aria was relaxed, seeing how he didn't care to ask any more. Of course, he wouldn't. He never liked talking to her that much.

Aria flinched when an unexpected sound echoed through the library.

She turned to see Jasmine with a big fake smile on her face, standing before a broken frame, OhhMy bad. I was just admiring it, but it suddenly fell.

Sebastian didn't even wait a second before he rushed to her side, wrapping her in his arms, Dont apologize. It's not your fault. I should have thrown that stupid, old frame away. I'm just glad you are okay.

But Jasmine wasn't satisfied with how calm Aria was. You don't have a problem with it, right? She asked, still wrapped in Sebastian's arms.

Arias eyes dropped to the shattered frame on the floor.

It was the only photo she had ever taken with Sebastian before they got married. And the only time she had truly felt happy.

But now, the only memory that didnt stingwas broken too.

Aria had no reaction to give. No anger, and no fight. She was fed up enough already.

Now she just looked up at Jasmine with a small, tired smile and said, It's alright. Sebastian was rightI should have thrown that old, stupid frame away.

Jasmine had to quickly wipe off the displeased look on her face, Thats so sweet of you.

She abruptly turned to face Sebastian, See, I told you my sister is not that bad. I'm sure she would be willing to accept whatever I ask too.

Sebastian kept smiling at her even as he asked Aria, Jasie will be staying in the city for a while, and I don't want her to be alone or far from me.

She also has trouble sleeping alone, so I want her to stay here with me in our room. You can take the guest room, just for the time being.

He paused.

You know whatJasie isn't comfortable with other people around, so what if you just move to the guest house for a while? I'll let you know when it's time to move back in.

Aria was calm. She knew Sebastian must have prepared a lot to convince her, but she didn't have the strength for any of that.

I understand. She agreed with a smile, noticing the shocked look on Sebastian and Jasmine's faces.

They probably didn't expect her to give in so easily.

I'll move my things to the guest house before the day ends, Aria added.

Sebastian stepped forward, like he had something else to say, No, you don't

But Jasmine shut him off before he could finish, You are the best sis ever.

Aria forced out a tiny nod at her. She looked away, picking up the stack of old books from the floor.

She turned and made her way toward the stairs. The books were heavy, but she held them close.

Halfway down, she missed a step on the stairs, making her lose her balance. She fell hard, the books flying out of her hands and landing everywhere.

Her elbow hit the floor. But the loud crash didnt get their attention.

Jasmine didnt move. Sebastian didnt even turn his head.

She had him wrapped in his arms, as if purposely stopping him from noticing her.

Aria lay still for a moment, staring at the ceiling. Her chest rose and fell with shaky breaths.

If it were Jasmine, Sebastian would never have allowed her to carry the stack of heavy books herself.

He had always been that way. Even at the Hartwells, he always stopped her from doing any sort of house chores and would work in her place instead.

My Jasie shouldn't be made to do hardcore chores like this. She is too soft for that. I don't even want a scar or a stain on her body. He would often say with so much love in his voice for her.

But when it was Aria's turn for the house chores, no one ever offered to help. Instead, she would often get criticized for not doing a proper job.

Even after she got married to Sebastian, and thought that he would start to treat her well tooHe never did.

While Jasmine got all the love and care. She was expected to quietly do things without complaining. No matter how hard they were.

Aria didn't even bother to question it anymore.

It was evening when she was done moving a few bags to the guest house while most of her things were loaded into a truck.

You know you don't have to do all these. You'll be moving back into the main house soon anyway. Sebastian said, staring at the truck as it drove away.

They are the other things I'm giving out, with the books. It's all for you. She feigned,

Yes. But the truck had most of the things you are very attached to. How can you be giving them out so easily? He asked,

Yes. She was usually the type who found it hard to let things go. Including people.

But that had obviously never worked for her. So why bother keeping them?

'And why even bother being with you any longer?' She thought to herself.

Aria forced out a small smile. It's okay. They are going to places where they will be very much appreciated. And besides, you've always complained about me having too much stuff. So this is good for you.

Okay. Whatever works for you then. Sebastian didn't bother anymore. Hearing it was for his good was enough again.

Oh, there is a charity gala happening tonight, Sebastian said. I want to go with just Jasie. But I guess you would have to come too, in case of any business talk with partners. Okay?

Aria shook her head, No. I don't think I can

You can't refuse, Aria. Sebastian cut her off immediately. You are my Executive Assistant. You are in charge of all my company's affairs. Youve got to be there.

Aria looked at him with deep silence. She had a reason to be there. Understood. But what did Jasmine have to contribute? Nothing. Yet he wanted her to be there.

Sure. She simply nodded. This was going to be the last time anyway.

Night came quickly.

The car pulled up in front of the hotel where the charity gala was being held.

Sebastian stepped out first and helped Jasmine out of the car. Cameras started flashing right away. She smiled brightly, enjoying the attention.

Then Aria stepped out from the other side of the car. No one noticed her. She kept her head down as she followed behind them.

Oh, welcome Mr. Kingsley, the host smiled as he walked over. I heard youd be attending with your wife tonight. The organizers would love to get a few official photos of you both.

An obvious frown crowned Sebastian's face. He wondered how the host knew about his marriage. Something he had done so much to keep a secret.

Aria paused for a second, thinking maybefor onceSebastian was going to choose her over Jasmine.

But, she had dreamt too big once again.

I don't have a wife. Do not believe such lies. He stated firmly.

The host was visibly confused. His eyes were fixed on the two women. Who are you going to be taking the exclusive photos with then?

Sebastian didn't waste a second. He gently grabbed Jasmine's hand, This is Jasmine Hartwell. The only true daughter of the Hartwells. And the heiress to Hartwell & Co. Holdings.

My goodness. Jasmine Hartwell. The host bowed slightly.

Then, Sebastian shot a side eye at Aria before he forced a few words out. That one is my Executive Assistant. Nothing more.

Aria didn't blink. And she didn't even look surprised. She knew Sebastian long enough to know what he was going to say about her in public.

But, even thoughthat didn't stop her heart from aching a little bit.

She still stood proudly. Even if it was all fake, it was better than showing how much hurt she felt.

Jasmine giggled, leaning on Sebastian's shoulder as they stepped in front of the cameras together.

The photographers lit up. They were calling her name, praising her dress, and asking them to pose as a couple.

While Aria stood quietly at the side.

Maybe it was the crowd. The heat surrounding her. Or the loud music thudding in her ears.

But Aria suddenly couldn't breathe. She clutched her chest, struggling to stay calm.

Not wanting to grab any attention, she immediately made her way to the rooftop terrace.

She just needed a bit of air. Just a few minutes to breathe.

A few minutes passed before she decided to head back in. She reached for the door handlebut it wouldn't budge. She twisted it again. Nothing.

It had been locked from the outside.

Suddenly, Jasmine's cold, mocking voice echoed from behind the door, Hey, gold-digging leech! How do you feel being with a man who only treats you like a disposable tool?

You better don't try anything stupid. Sebastian is mine and mine alone. You should leave on your own before I kick you out myself.

I can't believe you had the guts to tag along tonight. You were trying so hard to steal my place. Sebastian did a good job shoving you in the corner, jealous hag!

Aria stepped back, clutching her chest. It was getting worse. She was struggling to catch a single breath at this point.

Sebastian is all yours, Jasmine. I was never going to take him away from you. She fought the words out. Still struggling.

Shut up. Don't try to pretend! Jasmine yelled at her with a dismissive scoff. Not believing her.

You tried to take my parents away from me. Now you are trying to do the same to the man that was meant for me. Never!

You know what? You should be punished for being such a two-faced devil. I'm going to make sure you freeze out here in the cold. And no one will know you are here.

Without wasting time, she snapped the padlock in place, sealing the door like it was never meant to be opened again.

Since the charity event featured high-profile guests and valuable displays, guests had been asked to check in all personal belongingsphones, bags, even smartwatchesbefore entering the main hall and walking down the red carpet.

How would she call for help?

And no one but Jasmine knew she had stepped out.

Aria began to struggle again. She tried to breathe, but she couldn't. Her chest tightened, and she slowly sank to the floor.

No. She whispered desperately as she stretched her hands to the door and began to bang on it weakly.

PleaseI don't want to die here. Anyone thereplease, let me out of here.

But anyone seeing the door was locked with a padlock would keep out without thinking twice. No one would be coming to her rescue.

Her arms were already beginning to tremble with cold. Seconds later, she could barely keep her eyes open. Her body gave out, and everything went dark.

A few hours passed, and the charity gala endedbut Aria was still yet to be back. Sebastian couldn't hide his face scrunched up with worry.

Sebby, could she have walked out just because you took the photos with me, and not with her? Jasmine asked sweetly, acting like she didn't know anything.

I should have just stayed back home. I don't want her to be mad at me or anything.

Sebastian turned to her, his brows etched together. Jasie, you are the only heiress of Hartwell & Co. Holdings. Never would I let an ordinary employee sit in your place. That's out of order.

Don't worry about it. Aria has been moody and overly dramatic these days. If she can't handle the sight of me with someone more worthy, that's on her. She probably left on purpose to ruin the night. So, let's not let her bother us. We can head right home without her.

Sebastian led the way. Jasmine followed him, secretly grinning. I'm going to deal with you, Aria. I'll make sure you have no one by your sidenot my parents. Not my sweetheart. She whispered to herself.

Aria didn't make it home that night, but Sebastian stayed unbothered.

The next morning, at the hotel's rooftop terrace, a security guard came up to the rooftop to do a security check. He unlocked the huge padlock and stepped onto the terrace.

There in the open was Aria. She was lying on the cold concrete. Her skin had turned pale, and her lips were slightly parted, like she was still struggling to breathe.

The security guard hurried over to her. Lady, can you hear me? How did you end up here? Hold on, I can carry you down to our emergency unit.

But Aria suddenly grabbed his arm, I'm okay. I'll leave on my own. She breathed heavily.

She had hoped Sebastian would come searching for her.

But, of course. She had dreamt too big once again.

There was a time Jasmine had gone out without informing anyone, Sebastian had wasted no time filing a missing person report.

But now, Aria hadn't returned home the entire night and he didn't even bother to seek her whereabouts.

It hit her then, So, this is the gap between being cherished and being tolerated.

With the little strength she had left, Aria pushed herself up. She made her way out of the hotel and got on the first bus at the nearest bus stop, heading home.

She stared at her phone in silence. There was not a single message or missed call from Sebastian. But there were about twenty from Dante.

[I don't think I can do this any longer, Aria. One week. I will be there in one week to crash whatever life you've got with him and take you away for good. You should be ready.]

Aria sighed with deep relief on seeing Dante's message. At least, there was someone still out there, yearning for her.

She immediately sent a message back to him. [Yes.]

Why did she even think she was going to be able to survive two whole weeks like this? No way!

In one week, she was finally going to walk away for good. And start another life afresh without Sebastian in it.

The moment Aria walked into the house, her eyes met Jasmine, relaxing in the living room, while wearing her favorite pajamas.

Aria's only, and favorite pajamas.

Jasmine sat up on seeing her. Oh, here comes the wretched woman. How was your night? I hope you suffered just enough.

Before Aria could say anything.

Jasmine got to where she was standing and tucked a strand of Aria's hair behind her ear.

Aw. Poor Thing. You look like you barely made it out alive. If misery had a face, it would definitely be yours. You look like shit!

She moved even closer, clearly flaunting the bite marks on her neck. Look. Sebby did all these. He was in heaven last night. He confessed that it wasthe sweetest sexhe has ever had.

Jasmine had a lot to brag about. She leaned even closer, her hands mockingly cradling Aria's neck.

He didn't even want to let me go. But with you, he said he always prayed for it to get over as quickly as possible.

Those words were the last straw for Aria. She snatched her sister by the hair and shoved her away. Mind your words, Jasmine. I'm legally married to Sebastian. While you are just a mistress he is using to fulfill his desires.

Don't be a fool. If you keep misbehaving like this, I won't hold back on revealing who you truly are to the worldYou are nothing but an orphan that was bought to temporarily replace me anyway.

Aria had always taught herself to be calm no matter what. But Jasmine had already made that impossible to do. And she would not be holding back any longer.

Jasmine took another step forward. She was about to grab Aria's hair too, but froze when she saw Sebastian walking towards them.

In a swift movement, she grabbed Aria's hand instead and used it to smack herself on the face. Aria, forgive me. It's my fault. I should have stayed away from you and your husband.

Aria's eyes widened with confusion.

But Jasmine sprinted off to the stairs. She was about to jump when Sebastian caught her mid-air just in time.

No, Jasie. This is my house, and you belong here. Anyone who wants you to leave would be the one to leave instead!

Jasmine smirked secretly.

How dare you lay your hands on her?! Sebastian hissed sharply.

Aria stood her ground. I didn't do anything to her. Do not put the blame on me. And shouldn't you be worried about where I was last night?

You are He growled,

Aria stopped him mid-sentence, You should be worried about

I have no reason to worry about you, Aria! He spat icily. You have no right to lay your hands on Jasie. You know whatyou should be punished severely. I'm going to demote you.

To him, Aria was proud of her Executive Assistant position. So he thought stripping her of it was the perfect punishment.

But he was mistaken. Aria wasn't proud of the position. She was only proud of the things she had accomplished with it for Sebastian.

Sebastian's stomach churned with worry when he saw that Aria's eyes were wet with tears. But that changed nothing. He held Jasmine's hands and walked away with her.

Keep her locked in the storage room until she apologizes, Sebastian ordered his security guard before leaving.

Aria watched them leave in silence. But the tears that had gathered in her eyes slid down her cheeks.

How can the man she had given up on herself for treat her like this?

Aria always wanted to be a fashion designer. But she gave that up to love and work for Sebastian. Yet he was treating her like she didn't matter.

For two days, Aria was made to stay away from the main and guest house. And locked in the storage room.

Four times a day, the security guard would ask if she was ready to apologize for hitting Jasmine. But Aria always said nothing. Except keep her face buried in her palms.

There were only a few days remaining and she would finally be out of here.

Aria was sitting in the same position in the storage room when her phone kept buzzing with several text messages from Jasmine, but she never bothered to check any of them.

The last message came in when she was about to finally walk out of the house.

[Good-digging leech. I told you, I'll make sure I make you too hopeless to live. You can't win over me. I can keep Sebby away from you to be with me for a whole year.]

And Jasmine was right.

For days since Aria was locked out of the house, Sebastian hasn't been around.

But Jasmine didn't stop keeping her updated.

Aria received voice notes of Sebastian's moaning Jasmines name.

Another was a photo of Jasmine wearing nothing but Arias silk scarf. "He said I looked hotter in it."

Then, there was a short video of Sebastian in the shower, and Jasmine giggling behind the camera. He said I taste better than you ever did.

Two years ago, Aria would've felt heartbroken and humiliated. But, not anymore.

A man who was capable of hurting her without remorse was better off forgotten.

On the last day, the security guard still kept her locked in the huge storage room.

She decided to take a stroll around the room. Out of nowhere, a cat jumped in and landed on her face.

She fell to the ground. Even though an ordinary cat shouldn't have made that possible. But she was almost already like a walking corpse that hasn't had a proper shower, sleep, and meal in days.

Aria began to feel like she couldn't breathe again. But it was just way worse than the last time. Her chest was heaving aggressively, and soon she began to cough out blood.

She was gasping for air as the pain spread through her ribs. Her lips were already starting to turn blue.

She knew what was coming.

Months ago, she had undergone surgery on her lungs. The doctor had warned her not to overwork herself.

But she hadn't been able to do that.

Now she was going into respiratory failure and her body was shutting down.

Aria desperately begged the security guards to rush her to the hospital. They agreed without delay, seeing how much blood she had lost.

Unfortunately, there was no way to get her quickly to the hospital, as the roads were blocked.

I'm sorry, Ma'am. The security guard sighed heavily. Today is the launch of Ma'am Jasmine's perfume brand. Sir Sebastian rented out the entire road to throw a private concert for her. We can't get past.

Aria kept coughing out more blood. Her eyes were slowly closing. But outside, music blasted, and people were laughing and cheering.

It was all about Jasmine.

Sebastian was showcasing his love for her to the whole world. Something he had never done for his wife.

Aria let out a low, painful sigh.

With everything in her, she pulled the wedding ring that had his initials on it and threw it out of the window, into the river close by.

She didnt want it. She didnt want him. She was done with this stupid marriage.

By the time Aria regained herself, she couldn't recognize where she was for a few seconds.

The Doctor kept his worried eyes fixed on her. Ma'am, you're lucky to be alive. Your lungs collapsed from severe stress and exhaustion. If you had arrived a minute later

His voice trailed off. But Aria already knew.

Tears welled up in her eyes. Her body wanted to give up on herJust like her heart had, long ago.

She turned her face to the side, staring blankly at the IV drip.

Maam, we have to keep you here for a few more days to conduct some tests. Your body needs help. Can we contact your husband? He needs to be here as your guardian.

Aria swallowed her sobs in, disagreeing with a quick head shake. I don't need a husband. She stared directly into the doctor's eyes, Can I leave here in two days?

The doctor thought for a few seconds, Yes, but

I would like to be discharged by then. Thank you. Aria didn't want to waste any more time. Dante will be over to finally take her away tomorrow.

The doctor was about to head out when the door pushed open, and Sebastian rushed in, looking a little out of place like he had run all the way here.

What is wrong with her?

I was exhausted from all the stress. My lungs collapsed and so did my body. Aria spoke up before the doctor could.

Jasmine laughed dismissively, Oh, Aria. When will you stop being so overdramatic? You are not the first person to undergo lung surgery. Stop being such an attention seeker.

Sebastian kept his gaze fixed on Aria. She looked thin and malnourished. The frown on his face softened, and he seemed concerned for a few seconds.

You brought this upon yourself. You could have just apologized. When did you get so full of yourself?!

If you knew you were starting to feel weak. Then why didn't you inform me? You should have let the guards know. Why do you keep misbehaving? He sounded like he was blaming himself.

Aria sneered quietly at him. 'Inform him?

Like he was actually going to do anything to help.

She had been locked in that storage room for days while he was busy rebuilding his life with Jasmine. He had kept her locked in that dark room just because she wouldn't apologize.

Informing him would have seemed like she was finally giving in to apologize for something she didn't even do!

Aria didn't see any reason to act up anymore. She was leaving in two days anyway.

I was wrong. I didn't want to start up any more trouble.

Sebastian couldn't pinpoint why his heart ached slightly at her words.

He probably was beginning to feel guilty for treating her so rashly. So, he decided to stay with Aria the whole time.

Two days later, in the morning, when Aria was being discharged and ready to leave. She spent hours messaging Dante.

Sebastian became suspicious. Because Aria usually spent more of her time working with her laptop than randomly on her phone.

What's so important that you can't keep your phone away for a minute?

He collected her phone from her hand, but Aria was fast enough to grab it back.

It's my period tracker, Sebastian. Do you really need to see that?

Sebastian cleared his throat awkwardly as he stepped back. Okay. But keep the phone away already. We have to get going.

Aria stared at him. Sebastian was doing things for her that he didn't normally do. But Aria wasn't falling for any of that.

Sebastian only followed her to the car and told the driver to drive her home before he left.

On getting home, Aria headed straight to Sebastian's room. She opened Sebastian's drawer and placed the hospital's lung collapse report inside.

Then she took out her diary and wrote on the last page.

[Final Reminder: This is what loving you did to me. You destroyed me.]

After that, she closed the diary.

Her 30% stake in his company, signed divorce papers, her resignation, three miscarriage reports, her lung collapse diagnosisand every single scar he gave her.

They were all her fifth wedding anniversary gifts to Sebastian.

After putting everything in place, she zipped up her only remaining suitcase, and walked out the door without looking back. Not once.