Ethan's world crumbled as he stared at Sophia's empty room. The silence was deafening, a stark contrast to the angry words they'd exchanged. He felt like he'd been punched in the gut, his breath knocked out of him.
He thought of Rachel, his mistress, but Sophia's face haunted him. Her eyes, once bright and full of hope, now seemed dull and lifeless. Ethan's conscience pricked at him, but he pushed the guilt aside.
Ethan's phone rang, Emma's number flashing on the screen. He hesitated, then answered.
"Sophia's gone," Ethan said, his voice laced with panic.
"I know," Emma replied, her tone firm. "She's starting over."
Ethan's anger boiled. "Where is she?"
Emma's silence spoke volumes.
Ethan's desperation grew. He needed Sophia back.
"Why won't you tell me?" Ethan demanded.
"Because Sophia deserves better," Emma said, her voice unwavering. "She deserves to be loved and respected."
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "You don't understand, Emma."
"I understand more than you think," Emma replied. "Sophia's been unhappy for a long time. It's time she took control of her life."
The line went dead. Ethan's world spun out of control.
Ethan's thoughts turned to Sophia's words. "I deserve better."
He realized too late that Sophia wasn't just a trophy wife.
She was a woman with desires, needs, and dreams.
Ethan's regret grew.
He'd taken Sophia for granted.
Now, he faced losing her.
Ethan's phone buzzed again.
Rachel's name flashed on the screen.
"Hey, Ethan. What's going on?" Rachel asked.
"Sophia left me," Ethan replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
Rachel's silence spoke volumes.
"I'm sorry, Ethan," Rachel said finally.
Ethan's emotions swirled. Guilt, anger, desperation.
"What am I supposed to do?" Ethan asked.
Rachel's voice was firm. "End this charade, Ethan. Move on."
Ethan's world crumbled.
He couldn't move on.
Not without Sophia.
Ethan's thoughts turned to their first meeting.
The arranged marriage.
The loveless partnership.
Ethan realized he'd made a mistake.
He'd chosen power over love.
Now, he faced the consequences.
Ethan's determination grew.
He would get Sophia back.
No matter the cost.
But as he walked away, Ethan felt a pang of doubt.
Was he fighting for love or legacy?
He thought of Sophia's laughter, her smile.
The memories they'd shared.
Ethan's heart ached.
He missed her.
Ethan's phone buzzed again.
A text from an unknown number.
"Sophia's moving on. Leave her alone."
Ethan's anger boiled.
Who was this?
Ethan's mind racing, he replied.
"Who is this?"
The response was immediate.
"Someone who cares for Sophia."
Ethan's eyes narrowed.
A rival?
Ethan's thoughts turned to Sophia's friends.
Emma?
Ethan's determination grew.
He would find out.
And make them pay.
Ethan's world was crumbling.
His family's legacy.
His business empire.
Everything.
Ethan's desperation grew.
He would get Sophia back.
No matter the cost.
The stakes were too high.
Ethan's family legacy.
His business empire.
Everything.