My Mr. Artist

Chapter 29

Kiyah

On the long road, moonlight accompanied a lone car, wind gushing through the ride and a long silence filling the space between us. It was peaceful, a sharp contrast to the earlier chaos that forces clarity upon you, a sudden, unwelcome reality check. I calmed down and felt ridiculous about my earlier behavior. I felt like I had been walking in circles, always returning to the same spot. I couldn't see him with anyone who wasn't me. I was unable to bear his indifference toward me. I could never accept that he had finally moved on.

After all these twists and turns, I realized I was selfish,  I couldn't let go. But I had not fallen so low as to snatch him away from his wife. I would leave this job. Yes, I would resign as soon as possible, because nothing is more important than yourself. Just this one decision gave me relief. I made myself more comfortable, enjoying the cold yet gentle breeze through the open window.

"Are you okay?" Arnav finally spoke halfway through the ride.

I smiled a little. Despite his restlessness, he had patience. He knew how to give people space and when to show concern.

"I'm fine... and thank you. It means a lot to me." I was genuinely surprised he had noticed my anxiety and helped me, disregarding our previous clash at my house.

The car, the road, and we,  all fell silent again. But I could tell he wanted to say something, or perhaps warn me again not to create trouble for his friend or his family. Maybe even now his help was driven by worry that I might say something inappropriate and hurt Ansh. Whatever his reason, I was truly thankful.

"I will hand over my work to someone else and resign in a few days. So maybe this will be the last time we meet... you don't have to worry about me coming between them."

I don't know why I told him about my half-cooked plan, but saying it out loud made me feel more determined. He instantly turned his head toward me and then back to the road. Why did he look more shocked than relieved?

"Why?" he uttered.

Why? Why should I waste my life like an old widow aunt — lonely, hoping yet not hoping to see him? It's not like I have financial problems and must force myself to work under my ex. No. I have a warm home and a loving family. Maybe not as big or rich as his, but they love and care for me beyond limits. So why should I push myself into mental battles, an empty heart, and endless pain just to gain nothing?

"I should have done this much earlier. Sometimes destiny brings you face to face not to reunite, but to make you confront the past, gain closure, and say your final farewell. I understand that now. I accept, with a clear conscience, that I love him and can never undo it. But I have to learn how to let it go. My first step is to stop hoping, and for that, I have to leave him. This city — everything here,  reminds me of him."

This confession soothed my tense nerves. I even managed a small smile.

Suddenly the car stopped with a screech of brakes. I lurched forward slightly because of the abrupt halt. Frowning, I looked up to see his face inches from mine — no longer hesitant or worried, but furious.

He gritted his teeth. "Then what should he do, huh, Kiyah? You'll leave — have you ever thought about what will happen to him? Do you want him dead? Then say it directly. Why torture him like this? Oh! You want revenge, right? Good. Good for you!"

"What's your problem? He broke me. He left me. He married someone else first. He's the one hurting me, and you say I want him dead? Wah!" I shot back, my temper flaring. I wouldn't just sit and accept his baseless accusations.

Arnav leaned back against his seat. I thought I had won, but then he spoke.

"Ansh has filed for divorce. It's been a week. They signed a prenup, so the process can be easier. If everything goes well, they'll be legally separated in three to four months."