Ethan returned home, expecting the usual silence from Sophia. Instead, he found her standing in the living room, her eyes blazing.
"Ethan, who is Rachel Lee?" Sophia's voice trembled.
His heart sank. How did she...?
"Rachel Lee?" he repeated, feigning ignorance. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Sophia's laughter was laced with pain. "Don't lie to me, Ethan. I saw the phone bill. I called her. She answered."
Ethan's mind racing, he tried to deflect. "She's just a business associate, Sophia. Nothing more."
Sophia's eyes narrowed. "Don't insult my intelligence. I know what's going on."
The room seemed to shrink, the air thick with tension.
Ethan took a step forward, his voice cold. "What do you want, Sophia? A divorce? Alimony?"
Sophia's face crumbled, tears streaming down her face. "I want the truth, Ethan. I want to know why you married me if you never intended to love me."
Ethan's mask slipped, revealing a glimmer of guilt. But he quickly regained control.
"You knew our marriage was arranged, Sophia. Don't pretend you didn't."
Sophia's voice barely above a whisper. "I thought love would grow. But it's clear I was wrong."
The silence that followed was oppressive, heavy with unspoken words.
Ethan turned to leave, but Sophia's words stopped him.
"I want a divorce, Ethan. I deserve better."
Ethan's eyes locked onto hers, a spark of determination igniting.
"We'll discuss this later," he said, his voice dripping with menace.
As Ethan left the room, Sophia felt a sense of resolve.
She would not back down.