(Lina)
As I walked through the halls of the palace, I had a lot on my mind. My heart pounded with every step, but I was determined to carry this through. I couldn't live like this anymore. Nicholas had been controlling everything for too long, and I was done. I had to make him understand that this marriage was over, no matter what he thought.
When I reached his study, I didn't knock. I just pushed the door open and walked in. Nicholas was sitting at his desk, going over some papers like he always did. He didn't even look up when I entered.
"Nicholas," I said.
He glanced up, his eyebrows raised in surprise. "Isabella," He said, standing up. "What's this about?"
I didn't waste time. "We need to talk," I said, stepping closer to his desk. "I want a divorce."
For a moment, he just stared at me like he hadn't heard me, right? Then he shook his head slowly. "You're not getting a divorce, so quit that bullshit already."
I could feel my frustration rising inside of me. "You don't love me, Nicholas. I know that, and I don't care anymore. You're in love with Lady Elara. Why not just give me a divorce and be with her?"
His expression changed, his face hardening as he looked at me. "This has nothing to do with Elara," He said. I could tell that he was getting frustrated, but that was his problem, not mine.
I wanted out. If he thought that he could keep me chained like this then he thought wrong. I was going to make him sorry that he ever decided to cross me.
"Really?" I said, folding my arms. "Because it seems like it has everything to do with her. You're with her every chance you get. You fuck her just as loud for everyone to hear, including me! So why won't you just let me go? What's the point of keeping me around if you don't care about me?"
Nicholas sighed and rubbed his forehead like he was tired of the conversation. "It's not about love or Elara," He said, his voice calm but cold. "It's politics, Isabella. You wouldn't understand."
I narrowed my eyes at him, feeling more angrier than before. "Then explain it to me," I said sharply. "Why are you being so shady about this? What's the real reason you won't let me go?"
He met my gaze, his eyes darkening with frustration. "You think it's that simple?" He asked, his voice growing tense. "This marriage is important. It's not just about you and me."
"More important than me?" I shot back, stepping closer to him. "I'm not some pawn in your political games, Nicholas. I'm a person, and I deserve more than this. I'm not going to stay in a loveless marriage just because you say so."
He took a step toward me, his face hard, his jaw clenched. "You're not leaving, Isabella," He said, his voice low and dangerous. "This marriage isn't just about us. You have responsibilities. You think you can just walk away?"
I held my ground, refusing to back down. "I'm done with this," I said, my voice shaking with anger. "I don't care about your responsibilities or your politics. I want out. You don't love me, and I sure as hell don't love you."
His face twisted with anger, and before I could react, he grabbed my arm. His grip was tight, and he pulled me closer, shoving me against the desk. My back hit the hard surface, and I gasped as he leaned over me, pinning me down with his body.
"You've gotten away with a lot, Isabella," He growled, his face inches from mine. "Because I've been patient. Because I didn't want to psychically hurt you. But don't push me."
I glared up at him, refusing to show fear. "You think you can scare me? You slapped me before, don't you remember?" I spat. "You might have me pinned, but you don't own me."
His grip tightened on my arm, and for a second, I thought he might hurt me more than before. But then he hesitated, his eyes flashing with something—maybe doubt, maybe guilt. He let go of my arm, stepping back.
I stood up, straightening my clothes, my heart racing from the rush of what had just happened. I could see it in his eyes. He wanted control, but he wasn't willing to cross that line now, not physically. That was the only reason I had gotten away with so much.
"You're not getting a divorce," He said again, his voice firm but quieter this time. "Not now, not ever."
I met his gaze, anger burning in my chest. "You'll regret this, Nicholas," I said, my voice calm even though I felt like I could explode. "You'll regret keeping me trapped in this marriage. You don't love me, and I'm not going to spend the rest of my life as your prisoner."
He didn't say anything, just stood there staring at me, his expression unreadable. But I knew he wasn't going to change his mind. He was too stubborn, too wrapped up in whatever political game he was playing.
Without another word, I turned and walked out of the study, slamming the door behind me. I couldn't let him win. He thought he could keep me tied to this miserable life, but I wasn't going to let that happen.
He thought he had all the power, but I was going to find a way to get back at him. I didn't know how yet, but I would. I'd find his weak spot, and when I did, I'd make him regret ever thinking he could control me.
I had finally stood up to him, but this wasn't the end. It was just the beginning of my fight for freedom. Nicholas had always believed that he held all the cards, but he had underestimated me. He might have wealth, influence, and control, but I had something stronger now—a will that wouldn't break.
I didn't care how long it took. I would find a way to escape his grasp, to free myself from this life he had forced upon me. He wouldn't see it coming, and when the time came, I'd make sure he felt every ounce of regret.