(Adrian)
"I want a divorce," Aurora said after I read through the papers. She wasn't even looking at me.
"Be honest. Did anyone force you into doing this?" I asked, lifting her chin but she pushed away my hand.
"No. It's my decision."
"Come on. What went wrong between us? I mean, we can fix up ourselves."
"I've made up my mind already. That is what I want, okay?" she asked, keeping a straight face.
"Okay, okay. Look into my eyes and tell me it's your decision and why, then I'd believe you and sign it. It's not that hard, is it?"
She bit her lower lip as her eyes darted around the room, not saying a word.
Her silence was killing me, so I continued ranting. "If that's what you really want, then I think you're making a big mistake. You're going to regret it later on–"
"At least, I'd be alive to bear the consequences," she interrupted, fixing her gaze on me.
Her sad eyes told me something was wrong.
"Tell me why you're doing this, blondie. We aren't yet divorced, we're still a couple–"
"Because I don't love you anymore!" she shouted, closing her ears.
She was joking, right?
"Really? Why don't you look into my eyes and repeat those words?"
"Fine," she smiled, lifting my chin to meet her teary gaze. "I don't love you, Adrian and I want a div…" her voice trailed off, unintentional.
I assumed she held herself from completing her statement.
Her cheeks turned red and I could sense something already.
"You can keep lying to yourself, but not me. We both know the truth, everyone does," I said.
"Adrian, you have to understand. Your past is a threat to my life."
"Wow. Aurora, you're so… unbelievable. I was a fool to think you were going to fight for me, for us. But you want to walk out of my life when I need you the most. Is it fair?"
"I have the right to ask for a divorce whenever I want," she said, defending herself.
"Do you think Anastatia or anyone else will be happy about your decision? Are you ready to give the press a valid reason for our divorce? Can you handle the rumors that will spread across the city like wildfire? Did you think about my reputation?" I asked, raising my voice at her.
There were lots of things that were meant to have been considered before taking such step.
She looked up at me like a scared kitten.
"I didn't mean to yell at you, but I can't help it. I'm losing my mind. Just stop being self-centered and put yourself together. We can work things out."
"There's nothing to work out. We're done. Just accept it, Mr. Garcia!" she said, trying to remain calm but ended up shouting.
This wasn't my blondie. Her tone was different, unlike her. She had always believed there was a solution to every problem, but here she was, acting contrary to her words.
I walked to the door and held the knob, not looking back.
"You may need more time and space to rethink about this. I suggest you should leave elsewhere until your mind is settled."
"Ad–"
"Goodnight," I said. Then I left the room and shut the door.
Though I respected her decision, I won't let her push me away because I promised I'd always stay, but my coping with this can't ever be guaranteed.
I felt more connected to her than any woman I ever met. I get lost in her eyes, happy to drown, yet I must breathe. I loved the feel of her arms, her touch, her embrace.
It killed me inside to imagine a life without waking up next to the woman I love. A day without hearing her sweet but annoying voice?
Who was going to fight with me every morning? Or choose my work outfits? Who will ensure I had a sound sleep?
God. Why couldn't I stop myself from falling in love, again?
The saying 'you don't value what you have until you lose it' didn't make sense to me, somewhat.
I had lost everyone I valued in the space of four fucked up years– mom, dad, Kendall, Mateo, Zoey and now… blondie.
Was this my fate or a curse?
I left for the gym room, downstairs, put on my headphones, playing 'I'll Be Waiting' by Cian Ducrot.
Then I began venting my pain and anger on the punching bag. I didn't care to use the boxing gloves. I wanted to feel the physical pain.
My arms hurt terribly, but I didn't stop.
Of course, I deserved it.
The pain I was feeling was worth it. I had never loved someone this much, except my parents, but hadn't gone to this extent.
I hurt blondie a million times and never cared. I was the one to be blamed for everything, not her.
She didn't deserve anything of it.
My headphones fell off my ears, but I didn't stop either until I heard that voice.
Blondie was here.
"Stop hurting yourself!" she screamed.
I turned around to find her leaning against the door.
I punched harder, sweating profusely. "No, I deserve it. I really do. Just go away."
"Your pain is my pain. Your happiness is my happiness. Your tears are mine as well. I vowed to never let you cry and I, Aurora Garcia, will keep to it," she pledged with tears in her eyes.
I watched her shred the divorce papers into tiny pieces, making me stop in my tracks.
"Blondie, why… why did you do that?" I stammered.
I was meant to be happy, but still. She wouldn't just do that without a good reason.
She walked up to me, holding my hands. "It isn't out of pity. I realized how stupid I was trying to convince you earlier. I'm ready to tell you everything…"