Amanda's face darkened.
"Do you really want a divorce that badly?"
"Lucas, we've been together for so many years. Are you truly this heartless?"
"All I'm asking for is another chance to love you. I swear, from now on, it'll be just you—no one else. Please?"
I had expected Amanda wouldn't give up easily, but hearing her plead yet again only filled me with irritation.
Her desperate attempts at reconciliation didn't move me. They only disgusted me.
"Stop wasting your time," I said coldly. "I've already told you—there's nothing left between us."
"No matter what you say, my decision won't change. Accept it."
Amanda's face twisted with desperation. "But why...?"
"There is no why." My voice was calm, distant.
"We've been together long enough for you to know exactly why."
For years, I had tolerated more than I should have.
There was a time when I believed we could grow old together,
when I told myself that love meant forgiveness.
That's why I kept excusing her, time and time again.
That's why, despite all the hurt, I chose to endure.
But five years had passed, and I finally saw the truth.
Amanda was never someone I could spend a lifetime with.
Maybe, in the beginning, she truly wanted a home.
But once she had it, she only craved something more.
A flicker of despair crossed Amanda's eyes.
She had always believed she knew me—
Believed that as long as she lowered her head, I would always take her back.
And so, for years, she acted without restraint, never considering my feelings.
But my words made it clear—
I didn't love her anymore.
I was determined to leave her, just as I had once been determined to marry her.
No regrets. No second thoughts.
"I... I'm sorry, Lucas..."
I turned to go, but suddenly, she lunged forward, wrapping her arms tightly around my waist.
"I should be the one apologizing!"
"I'm sorry, honey. I should've been more considerate of your feelings. I promise, I'll never have anything to do with Ethan again..."
"No! I'll make him resign tomorrow! Just don't leave me, okay?"
I didn't respond.
Slowly, but firmly, I pried her hands off me.
I had heard these words before. Too many times.
When she first hired Ethan as her assistant, I had already felt uneasy.
He was a man, working closely by her side every day.
Back then, Amanda had only laughed, throwing her arms around me.
"Oh, is my husband jealous? If you don't like it, I'll hire a female assistant tomorrow!"
"You're the only one for me—no one could ever take me away from you!"
Her words had reassured me.
Our relationship had lasted this long because we always spoke openly, without pretense.
But she never kept her promise.
Instead, she brought Ethan to our wedding anniversary dinner.
She had smiled and said,
"Ethan is talented, kind-hearted, and harmless. Why are you getting worked up over a kid? Be reasonable."
In that moment, my heart turned cold.
She had promised me one thing and done another.
And where promises are broken, all that remains is disappointment.
I had said nothing.
Perhaps my silence made her even bolder.
As time passed, their interactions grew increasingly intimate—even casual touches became frequent.
And day by day, my heart sank deeper.
I had tried to talk to her about it.
After all, even our employees had noticed.
People whispered.
But every time I brought it up, Amanda only grew impatient.
"You know I hate working. I finally found an assistant who makes my job easier, and now you want to control me? Don't forget, this company is mine—I'll do whatever I want!"
For the sake of our marriage, I swallowed my frustration and let it go.
Until the day Ethan made a major mistake at work.
I had just called him into my office when Amanda stormed in.
"Why are you always picking on him?" she snapped.
"He's new—of course he's going to make mistakes! Why can't you cut him some slack?"
I couldn't hold back anymore.
"He's your assistant. If he screws up, it affects the entire company!"
Amanda scoffed.
"So what do you want to do? Fire him?"
Before I could respond, Ethan immediately stepped forward and bowed his head.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Lucas. I know you don't like me. I'll submit my resignation letter right away—please don't argue with Ms. Johnson because of me."
He played the victim flawlessly.
And Amanda, as expected, fell for it.
"You're being ridiculous!" she shouted at me, eyes blazing.
"Do you have to push him to the brink?!"
"Ethan came to this city alone, working so hard to build a future for himself. How can you be so heartless?"
With that, she took Ethan's hand and stormed out.
And just like that, the matter was settled.
That was the moment I knew—
I could never trust her again.
"There's no need to apologize," I said now, my voice devoid of warmth.
"From now on, we go our separate ways."
Amanda froze.
Her face turned pale, lips trembling.
"You... You really mean it?"
I looked into her tear-filled eyes.
And felt nothing.
"Yes."
"I'll have the divorce papers drawn up. You just need to sign them."
With that, I turned and walked away.
"Lucas!"
Behind me, Amanda broke down, her sobs echoing in the empty hall.
I didn't look back.
I didn't hesitate.
Our story had already ended.