Chapter 27
As the group of friends exited the Ritz Carlton, their conversation was drowned out by the hushed chatter of two servers nearby, carefully carrying vibrant bouquets of roses. The striking display of flowers seemed almost too lavish for an ordinary event, yet the group paid little mind to it, accustomed to the extravagant gestures of the wealthy.
However, Tony, always observant, came to a sudden halt. He turned toward the servers, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Who’s spending so lavishly today?”
The two servers, familiar with his reputation, exchanged nervous glances before one of them stammered out, “It’s Director Chase. He’s the director of the Chase Group. He’s booked the entire first floor of the Ritz Carlton, and it’s for a female model’s birthday celebration.”
At that revelation, Elsie’s shrill gasp cut through the air. Myra’s heart sank. The previous phone call from Sean now seemed almost comical in its irony. She had been hoping, foolishly, that Sean was jealous or had feelings for her. But now it was clear: Sean had been far more interested in another woman.
Myra turned away, embarrassed by her own naivety, but she noticed Sasha’s concerned gaze. Myra quickly looked away, focusing on the floor. Sasha approached cautiously, her voice gentle. “Myra, don’t be upset. I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding. That model is probably just pestering Sean. Don’t let it get to you.”
But Myra knew better. There was no misunderstanding. Sean had always been open about his affairs with other women. It was no longer a shock.
With a heavy heart, Myra pushed forward, leaving Sasha behind. As she walked home, she felt like a shell of herself, the weight of her disappointment too much to bear. It wasn’t long before she collapsed into bed, not even bothering to dry her hair.
The memories of the past flooded her mind as she lay there, unable to stop the tears. She remembered the early days of her relationship with Sean — the promises of love, the shared moments of happiness. But now, all that was left was pain and regret.
Later, as Myra lay in bed, trying to find solace in sleep, she was roused by the familiar sound of the front door opening. A harsh light filled the room, and Myra instinctively knew who it was. Her voice cracked as she called out softly, “Is that you, Sean?”
“Yeah,” came the cold response. Myra could feel the chill in the air as Sean threw his suit jacket onto the chair, his eyes scanning the room. His gaze shifted, noticing her swollen eyes, and he frowned. “What happened?”
Her voice was hoarse, the words escaping her in a soft murmur. “Do you remember giving me this ring?” Myra raised her left hand, showing him the simple silver band that still glinted under the light.
Sean stared at the ring for a moment, and she could almost see the memory flicker in his eyes — the time they had walked hand-in-hand by the city’s moat, when things were simpler, when he had promised her the world. She smiled bitterly, feeling the weight of everything they had lost.
“I remember,” he muttered, but there was no warmth in his voice.
Myra closed her eyes, feeling a tightness in her chest. She gathered all her strength to speak the words she had been holding back for so long. “Sean… let’s get a divorce.”
The words hung in the air between them, thick with finality. Myra could feel the tension in the room, the weight of her decision pressing down on her. Sean’s expression immediately darkened, his eyes narrowing. “Are you angry because I didn’t give you a proper diamond ring?”
Myra let out a bitter laugh, the sound echoing through the room. She shook her head, the tears flowing freely now. “I told you once, ‘I don’t mind how large or shiny the ring is, as long as you love me.’” Her voice cracked with the weight of her realization.
Sean remained silent, his face unreadable. Myra looked at the decorative hourglass on the bedside table, the sand slowly falling, much like her hopes and dreams. “I know you’ve never loved me. And honestly, I think I’ve been holding on to something that wasn’t real for far too long. I know that you’re still in love with Lyla. If that’s the case, then why should I keep forcing myself into a space I don’t belong in?”
Sean’s face twisted in anger, and before she could even process what happened, he slammed his fist into the wedding photo on the bedside table, shattering the glass. Myra’s heart skipped a beat as she saw the image of their wedding day, her smiling face frozen in time next to Sean’s cold, indifferent gaze.
In that moment, Myra knew that no matter how much she wanted things to go back to the way they were, they never would. The love they once had was gone, and there was no going back.