As the clock struck 11 p.m., Ally's heart sank. The silence of the house was deafening. He's not coming home again, she thought, gripping the edge of the sofa as disappointment washed over her. She sighed and turned toward the bedroom when the front door clicked open.
Her heart skipped. She rushed to the hallway, hope lighting her face.
"Nick, you're back," she said, smiling.
Nick stepped inside, his tall frame outlined by the doorway. His dark cashmere coat clung to his broad shoulders, the dim light catching the sharp angles of his chiseled face. But his expression was distant—cold. Without a word, he walked past her and sank into the couch.
Ally followed him, trying to close the distance between them—not just in steps, but in the space that had grown between their hearts.
"I made your favorite tonight," she said softly, curling an arm around his neck from behind. "Come on, it's a special dinner. And… I have some news to share.".
Nick didn't respond immediately. Ally admired his features, the strong jawline, the perfectly undercut hair. This is the man I married three years ago—the man I still love.
"Go on ahead," he said finally, his voice low. "I'll join you soon. I also have something to say."
Ally tried to smile, brushing it off as fatigue. "Alright. I know you've had a long day. Freshen up and come down when you're ready."
But just as she turned to leave, his voice stopped her.
"Wait, Ally."
She turned slowly. His eyes met hers—dark, unreadable.
"I want a divorce."
The words hit like a slap. "What… what do you mean?" she stammered.
"I'm done, Ally. This marriage… it's over. You're free to live your life however you want."
A stunned silence stretched between them. "Nick, why? What did I do wrong?"
"I said I want a divorce!" he barked, his voice rising with finality.
Before Ally could respond, Naomi entered from the hallway.
"What's going on here? Why are you shouting at this time of night?"
Ally's last shred of pride broke. She rushed to Naomi.
"Mom, please talk to him. I don't want a divorce. I can't live without him."
Naomi's face broke into a smile—not of sympathy, but satisfaction.
"You didn't even tell me you were finally doing this, Nick? I've waited a long time for this day," she said with a glint in her eye.
Ally's stomach turned. "Not you too…" Her voice cracked. "After everything I've done for this family? Sacrificing my career,my time...?"
Nick ignored her. He pulled out his phone and dialed.
"You can come in now."
High heels clicked down the hallway. A woman entered, strikingly beautiful, her presence smug and radiant beside Nick.
"Mom, Ally—meet Kate," Nick said coolly.
Ally's world spun. "What… You're divorcing me for her?"
Before the tension could snap, Chloe came down the stairs. "What's happening?"
"Go to your room," Naomi ordered.
Chloe crossed her arms. "No. I deserve to know."
Nick didn't flinch. "Kate is pregnant with my child."
Ally froze. Her knees nearly buckled. Her gaze locked onto Kate, whose hand had already found Nick's.
Nick extended his hand. "The papers."
Kate reached into her purse and handed him the divorce documents.
"Sign them. You have until tomorrow to file them," he said, his voice like ice.
Ally stared at the signature already scribbled across the bottom. Her own tears blurred the lines.
"I thought this marriage meant something…"
Chloe smirked. "I always knew you didn't belong in the Carter family. You're nothing—and you always will be."
"Chloe!" Naomi said sharply. Then she turned on Ally. "What are you waiting for? Do you want your birth mother to help you sign, or do you need time to rehearse your signature?"
Ally bit her lip so hard she tasted blood. Kate stepped closer, her smile wicked. Chloe handed her a pen.
"This one's expensive," she said mockingly. "Brother got it for me. But you can use it—just try not to ruin it."
Ally took the pen, her grip trembling. Kate leaned in and dug her nails into Ally's hand. Then, in one swift motion, she pushed Ally through the front door.
The heavy slam echoed through the empty night.
Through the narrowing gap, Kate's face appeared, lips curled into a twisted grin,as if to say,"Checkmate."
The last thing Ally saw before the door shut completely was that smirk—cold and victorious.
The pain wasn't just emotional—it was physical. A part of her had died in that house.
But somewhere deep inside, a small voice whispered:
They'll regret this.