Natasha and I stared at each other in silence, and the room fell into a deathly quiet.

She seemed shocked I would actually bring up divorce. After all, I had once sworn to her I would never leave her.

Then again, that was several years ago, when Natasha had just taken over the company and was preparing to land a major project. There were many competitors, and one ruthless company had orchestrated a car accident.

When the crash happened, I instinctively threw myself over her to shield her from most of the impact.

While we waited for rescue, I was barely breathing and told her, "If I die, you have to forget about me and find someone new to start over with!"

She cried and shook her head, making me promise I would never leave her. As long as I did not leave her, she was willing to do anything.

It seemed she had long forgotten what she said, and I had broken my promise.

Still, I said it. I asked for the divorce.

After those words left my mouth, I slowly stood up and walked toward the guest room.

Her voice snapped from behind me, filled with fury. "Divorce? Fine, but don't you dare regret it!"

She slammed the door with a bang and left, while I lay on the bed, eyes burning with tears. I could not stop thinking about how kind she used to be.

Back in school, I was a poor orphan who was small and skinny, constantly getting bullied. I was so insecure and weak that I did not even dare fight back.

I just swallowed everything and cried in silence.

Until that day, when Natasha somehow found me in the corner where I was hiding. She stood in front of me and casually said, "What's the point of crying? If you don't want to be bullied, then get stronger. Always giving in just makes your enemies bolder.”

She said many more comforting and encouraging words to me. That day, she seemed like an angel who had come down from heaven to save me.

Later, I followed her advice. When those bullies came to mess with me again, I fought back, ending up bloody and swollen.

On my way home, I ran into Natasha. She smiled and gave me a thumbs-up.

From that day on, no one ever bullied me again because everyone knew I was like a rabid dog who would fight desperately if anyone dared to trample on my dignity.

I never hid away to cry alone again, either.

Until now.

The tears flowed freely once more, releasing all the grievances I had bottled up for so many years.

From that day on, Natasha never came home. It felt like she was deliberately giving me the cold shoulder to make me apologize first. Unfortunately for her, I would not cave anymore.

A week passed in a blink. One of the senior figures in our social circle, Yosef Schmidt, was throwing a birthday gala, and both Natasha and I received invitations. We were supposed to attend the event together, but since I could not reach her, I had to go alone with a gift in hand.

The moment I stepped into the ballroom, I saw Natasha and Stanley dressed in matching outfits. I thought I had moved on, but the sight of it still hurt, and my face instantly turned pale.

Stanley had his arm wrapped around Natasha as they danced. He caught my eyes mid-spin and flashed a smug, taunting smile.

Everyone in the room recognized the three of us, and the atmosphere shifted instantly. Before long, curious stares and whispers surrounded us.

Many looked at me with mocking eyes, as if ridiculing how I had worked so hard to marry Natasha but could not even keep her.

My pride was shattered completely.

Natasha also noticed my arrival, and her eyes showed panic as she abruptly pulled away from Stanley's hand and walked toward me. She quickly explained, "Kieran, don't get the wrong idea. This is just ordinary ballroom dancing."

"Kieran! In high society, it's perfectly normal for men and women to ballroom dance together. You're not that petty, are you? Poor Nattie! She can't even enjoy basic socializing anymore," Stanley chimed in, voice dripping with fake sympathy.

I ignored them both. I was so disappointed that I felt numb.

Later, I calmly handed Yosef his birthday gift. Then, I walked back over to Natasha and said flatly, "Since there's no affection left between us, let's stop hurting each other. Let's save ourselves some grace. I already drafted the divorce papers, so come home tonight and sign them. I wish you both happiness in your future marriage."

With that, I strode away.

Natasha's panicked voice called out behind me. "Kieran, wait! Calm down..."

She chased after me into the garden, looking more shaken than I had ever seen her. It was unlike her because she was always composed and had everything under control.

"The details don't matter anymore. What matters is your heart clearly isn't with me. You knew we were both supposed to attend this kind of event together, but you left me behind without a word."

I added softly, "For the sake of our years together, let's part ways peacefully."

Natasha looked at my determined expression and burst into tears, as if she had lost her most precious possession. I watched her reaction with confusion.

Choosing Stanley was her choice, so why was she crying?

Stanley quickly chased after us, looking at me angrily and cursing, "Wipe your tears, Nattie! This freeloader doesn't deserve your love! You still have me by your side, and I'll always be there for you!"

As I watched her collapse into Stanley's arms, crying, I let out a mocking laugh.

Then, I coldly threw my final words at Natasha, "Enjoy your time with Stanley while you can. Soon, you'll both have nothing left."