HIS

Chapter 34

"Why did you leave me?" he asked.
I stared at him, stunned — unable to believe he truly didn't understand the damage he'd done.

"Why, Olivia? Just tell me — why did you leave me and serve me those divorce papers?" he asked, his voice rising with frustration as I continued to stare at him in silence.

"Did you at least sign it?" I finally asked, curiosity getting the better of me. I'd never followed up with my lawyer — too afraid Domenico might somehow track me down.

"What do you mean by that? Are you messing with me, Olivia?" he snapped, his voice rising. "We said 'till death do us part' — did you forget your vows? Do you really think I'd let anyone else take my place in your life?" His eyes locked onto mine with a chilling intensity, the threat behind his words unmistakable. But after everything he'd done, what right did he have?

"You cheated. Did you really think I'd stay the sweet, submissive wife who turns a blind eye to the mess you made in our home?" I said firmly, no longer willing to entertain his excuses. I watched his expression fall, his eyes closing for a moment as the weight of my words sank in.

When he opened his eyes again, the pain and regret were unmistakable.
"Olivia, I swear to you — I never cheated. I would never do that to you. Please, just let me explain. Once you hear everything, it'll make sense," he pleaded, running his hands through his hair in frustration.

"You didn't even talk to me before you left. You just disappeared without a word, without trying to work things out. Do you think I married you for fun? That what we had was meaningless? Olivia, I love you — deeply. Do you have any idea what I went through these past few months, knowing you were out there, possibly in danger, and I couldn't protect you because I didn't know where you were? I was worried sick. Why are you just staring at me? Say something. I need answers!" His voice cracked as he spoke the last part.

I'm stunned. How could he be this upset, acting like I'm the one who ruined everything? It's hard to believe he's turning this around, making me feel guilty for the choices I made because of his betrayal. It feels like emotional manipulation at its finest.

"I was nothing more than a decoration in your house..." I began, but he cut me off before I could finish.

"Our house, Olivia!" he shouted, his voice sharp and forceful, a burst of emotion escaping with every word.

"Can you please talk to me like a normal person and stop shouting? My neighbors might think something's wrong and call the police," I reminded him.

"I don't care about the police or your neighbors," he snapped, getting up and walking over to one of the other couches. He sat down, legs apart, elbows resting on his knees, his face buried in his hands. For a moment, I almost felt sorry for him — almost.

"Sorry for cutting you off. Please, go on," he said, letting out a frustrated breath as he looked at me, waiting for me to continue.

"You were shutting me out, and I couldn't understand what I had done to deserve being treated like I was invisible—just like my dad and his wife used to treat me. At least with them, I knew where I stood. But with you, it was silence and betrayal. You claimed that house was ours, yet you were busy sleeping with your ex in it. That was the very reason I left my dad's place—I promised myself I'd never let anyone make me feel like I didn't matter again. I reached out to you countless times, trying to understand what was wrong, but you ignored my calls or brushed me off, saying you were busy. It was clear I wasn't wanted there. And while you were out with her, pretending nothing was wrong, I was breaking. Hearing your conversation with her and seeing how you touched each other made it undeniable—you cheated. So, before you ever try to blame me for walking away, take a hard look at your actions. And don't you dare gaslight me again."