Ethan's grip on the steering wheel tightened as he drove away from home, the city lights blurring together. Sophia's words echoed in his mind like a mantra: "I want a divorce, Ethan. I deserve better." The pain and resignation in her voice haunted him.
He couldn't let her go. Not now, not ever. The thought sent a wave of panic through him. Ethan had grown accustomed to Sophia's presence in his life, her quiet strength and unwavering loyalty. Without her, his carefully constructed facade would crumble.
Ethan's phone buzzed, Rachel's name flashing on the screen. He hesitated, then answered, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil brewing inside.
"Hey, beautiful. What's up?"
Rachel's voice was laced with concern. "Ethan, what's going on? Sophia called me."
Ethan's gut twisted. "What did she say?"
"Not much. Just asked who I was. But I know what's happening, Ethan. She knows about us."
Ethan's mind racing, he navigated through the city streets. "I'll handle it, Rachel. Don't worry."
But Rachel's words cut deep. "You need to end this, Ethan. You can't keep living a lie."
Ethan's frustration boiled over. "You don't understand, Rachel. Sophia's not just any woman. She's my wife."
Rachel's silence spoke volumes.
Ethan arrived at his office, his assistant Mark waiting with a somber expression.
"Sir, your father-in-law is here. He wants to discuss the merger."
Ethan's anxiety spiked. Sophia's father, Reginald, was not a man to be underestimated.
As he entered the meeting room, Reginald greeted him with a cold smile.
"Ethan, I hear there's trouble in paradise."
Ethan's mask slipped, revealing a glimmer of desperation.
"Reginald, I assure you, everything is fine."
Reginald's eyes narrowed. "Fine? Sophia called me, Ethan. She wants a divorce."
Ethan's world crumbled.
"What did she say exactly?" Ethan asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Reginald's expression turned stern. "She said she can't continue living a lie. That she deserves better."
Ethan felt a pang of guilt. He knew Sophia deserved better, but he couldn't let her go.
"I'll talk to her, Reginald. I'll fix this."
Reginald's eyes bore into Ethan's soul. "You'd better, Ethan. You'd better."
The meeting ended with Ethan's promise to salvage his marriage. But as he left the office, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was losing control.