The morning began with the sound of birds and a faint knock on Rina's door. She was already awake, sitting by the mirror brushing her hair, lost in thought. Her reflection looked calm but strong — she could almost see the difference between who she was before and who she had become.
When she opened the door, the maid bowed slightly. "Ma'am, breakfast is ready."
"Thank you," she said softly, slipping on a light cream robe over her satin slip. As she walked down the stairs, everyone went silent. Even the housekeepers had learned that when Rina entered the room, silence followed.
Luis sat at the table, already dressed for work. His eyes lifted the moment he saw her, but she didn't even glance his way. She poured herself a cup of coffee, sat down, and started scrolling through her phone.
Luis cleared his throat. "We need to talk."
"We always need to talk," she said without looking up.
"I'm serious this time."
She sighed softly. "You always say that too."
He put his cup down hard enough for it to clink. "You think I don't see what's happening? You're slipping away from me, Rina."
She finally looked at him, her eyes steady. "I'm not slipping away, Luis. I'm walking away."
His jaw clenched. "You still live in my house."
"For now."
That word again — for now — burned through him like a spark in dry wood. He wanted to shout, but instead, he took a deep breath. "Fine. If you're walking away, at least tell me what changed. What did I do that made you hate me this much?"
Rina smiled faintly, swirling her coffee. "You want honesty?"
"Yes."
"You made me believe I was the problem," she said quietly. "You made me feel small, unwanted, and crazy for trusting you. You made me think love was supposed to hurt." She paused, meeting his gaze. "And now you're angry because I finally stopped believing you."
Luis's throat tightened. He opened his mouth but no words came out.
Rina stood up, her silk robe swaying behind her. "Excuse me. I have a meeting."
She walked out with her driver waiting by the door. The car ride was quiet except for the soft hum of the engine. Her assistant, Mia, handed her a tablet filled with reports.
"Ma'am, the R Empire stock has increased again overnight," Mia said excitedly. "Investors are trying to reach you."
Rina smiled slightly. "Good. Let them wait a little. Mystery keeps them hungry."
She arrived at her office — the tall glass building that screamed power and elegance. The moment she stepped out of the car, cameras flashed from a distance. People still didn't know who owned R Empire, but the glimpses of her figure were already making the internet restless.
Inside, Alex was waiting in her private lounge, looking like he belonged there.
"You're early," she said, dropping her bag.
"I missed you," he said casually, standing up.
She smirked. "You saw me last night."
"Still feels like forever," he said, stepping closer. "How are you?"
"Fine," she replied, though her tone betrayed exhaustion.
Alex studied her face quietly, then said, "You're tired. Let me take you away for the weekend. No work, no drama, just air and peace."
"I can't," she said automatically. "Luis will—"
Alex interrupted softly. "Luis will what? Get mad? He already is."
She laughed quietly. "You're impossible."
He grinned. "But you're smiling again."
The way he said it made her heart skip. She looked at him, and for a moment, the world slowed down. He reached out, brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, and whispered, "You're doing great, Rina. Don't let him make you doubt yourself."
Rina's throat tightened, her walls slipping for just a moment. "Sometimes it's hard not to," she admitted softly.
Alex's eyes softened. "Then lean on me. Until you can stand alone."
She didn't respond, but her silence was enough.
By noon, the office was buzzing with calls and contracts. Rina handled everything effortlessly, her voice calm and her mind sharp. She was everything she had once dreamed of becoming — powerful, respected, untouchable.
Later that afternoon, she received a message from Luis. We need to talk tonight. Don't ignore me.
She sighed, placing the phone aside.
That evening, she returned home dressed in a sleek black dress that outlined her body perfectly. Luis was waiting in the living room, pacing.
When she entered, he froze for a second — she looked stunning, intimidating even.
"You wanted to talk?" she asked.
"Yes," he said quickly. "Rina, I'm sorry."
She blinked, surprised by how fast he said it.
"I was angry, I was stupid, and I let people come between us," he continued. "I lost you once, I don't want to lose you again."
Rina sat down, crossing her legs. "You didn't lose me, Luis. You threw me away."
"I know," he said, his voice low. "But people change."
She studied him quietly. "Do they?"
He stepped closer, his eyes pleading. "Give me another chance. Please."
Rina's heart didn't even flinch this time. "What about Bianca?"
He sighed. "That's over."
She tilted her head slightly. "You said that the last time too."
Luis ran a hand through his hair, frustration filling his tone. "What do I have to do to make you see I mean it?"
"Nothing," she said simply. "Because I don't care anymore."
That single sentence broke him more than shouting ever could.
He stared at her, lost. "You used to love me."
"I used to love the version of you that didn't exist," she replied. "Now I just see the truth."
He took a step closer, almost desperate. "Rina, please. I'll do anything."
"Then sign the divorce papers when they come," she said softly, standing up.
He grabbed her wrist. "Don't do this."
"Luis," she said calmly, "let go."
He hesitated, then released her hand. She turned to leave, but before she reached the stairs, she said without looking back, "You should start learning how to live without me."
Luis sank into the couch, his hands shaking. For the first time, he knew it was real — she was gone.
Upstairs, Rina stood in front of her window again, the city lights reflecting in her eyes. Her phone buzzed — a message from Alex.
I heard you met him tonight.
He begged, she replied.
And you?
Didn't flinch.
A pause. Then: That's my girl.
Rina smiled faintly, the first real smile of the day. She put her phone down, walked to her dresser, and pulled out a new folder. Inside were documents — official ones — the final step of her divorce and the expansion papers for R Empire's new branch.
She signed them both with the same pen.
When she was done, she whispered quietly to herself, "This time, I choose me."
Outside, thunder rolled in the distance, but Rina felt no fear. She walked to bed, turned off the lights, and laid down with a peaceful breath.
Freedom had never tasted this sweet.