18| The End

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The morning hue filters through the tall branches, casting a gentle glow on everything in its path

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The morning hue filters through the tall branches, casting a gentle glow on everything in its path. I sit with my coffee in hand, staring out at the soft pink and orange sky. For the first time in a while, I felt at peace. My muscles were a lot more relaxed and the stress of that night was slowly fading away.


L

ike all great things, my peace was short-lived. The balcony doors behind me slowly open and soon after, I feel his dominating presence behind me. The cool breeze tousles my already messy hair but I pay no mind. Neither of us dares to break the peaceful silence. We stand side by side just staring.

I've been avoiding having this conversation for a few days now but it's now or never. "I think it's best to end our arrangement." I finally break the silence. Ever since he brought me back here, I have made up my mind. This arrangement will never work out. We're too different.

He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth,studied at the best schools in the world and was made to wear all those fancy suits and own fancy cars. I, on the other hand, have struggled everyday to make ends meet, studied at a community college and was never made to wear such beautiful dresses. Someone as tainted and used as me doesn't deserve to wear such clothes. It's meant for models, princesses, anyone but me.

"Alessandra-" He steps closer but I back away.

"Please." I can't find the energy to argue anymore. My body is drained. My mind is exhausted. "My whole life, I've given but never received. This is the only time I'll ask for anything."

His shoulders slump and his gaze lowers to the ground. A moment of silence lingers in the air for a second and a look of disappointment flickers in his eyes. "Okay." His voice is barely above a whisper.

A small, sad, smile forms on my lips. "Thank you."

Without another word, he walks back into our room, looking more defeated than ever.

The day quickly comes to an end and soon we're all gathered around the dining room. A little tradition we started a few weeks ago.

"Pass the potatoes!" My hangry best friend shouts. With an eye roll I give her the bowl.

The black doors open and a silence settles between us. Nicolas works in, his blazer draped over his veiny arm and an envelope in another. His strides are fast as he crosses the room and drops the envelope directly in front of me, missing my plate by an inch. Just as quickly as he enters he exits.

"What's that?" Luca nods, mouth filled with food.

I shrug, carefully opening the envelope. I discard it somewhere before reading what's inside. My chest tightens when I read the words written in bold. Divorce Papers. Tears well up in my eyes but I blink them away. I wanted this. And I got what I wanted. So, I have no right to feel this away.

The chair squeaks on the tiles as I stand. I walk over to Nicolas's office, the papers in my hand. I enter without knocking, my thoughts going one hundred miles per hour.

"What's this?" I ask the dumbest question.

He looks up from his laptop, his gaze cold and calculating. "Divorce Papers." The words roll off his tongue, his Italian accent coming out.

Yes, I asked for a divorce but now, holding the paper in my hand, I want nothing but to take back my words. But it's wrong to think of doing that. We're not meant for each other.

"You asked for a divorce, didn't you?" I nod at his words. "I already signed it. It's just you, now."

I hold up the paper, seeing his signature at the bottom of the paper. With a deep breath, I walk up to his desk. "Do you have a pen?"

More tears gather in my eyes as I press the point of the pen on the paper. With one final glance at him, I sign the papers.

I avoid eye contact, turning around and walking out the door. For the last time.

In the year that I spent in this house, I met great people and memories. Nicolas and I were never meant to be. Even if I tried, I would never be able to love him after what he did. However, I hope one day, he finds himself the love of his life. Someone worthy of being by his side.

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