Claire sat on the edge of her bed. She could hear the city's hum coming through her open window, but it felt distant. Inside, her thoughts were jumbled and foggy. Everything outside seemed to pause, waiting for her to make a decision. The city lights blurred in the night, their brightness a stark contrast to the pounding in her chest.
She picked up her phone. Ethan had messaged her again, just like he had in the past few weeks. The notifications kept coming, each one filled with apologies and promises. He was sorry. He wanted to fix things. He needed her forgiveness.
But it was all too much now, wasn't it? Too many chances. Too many empty words. What mattered now was action. But Ethan wasn't giving that.
Looking at her phone's lock screen, Claire saw her reflection. She looked tired, as if the burden of her marriage had worn her down. She felt exhausted from trying to keep something alive that was already over.
Her marriage with Ethan wasn't supposed to be this difficult. When they got married, they both knew it was just a formality. They agreed to live as a couple with no feelings involved. It was about family duty, not love.
At first, Claire accepted this arrangement easily. Ethan was just a guy she barely knew. They both played their roles without expecting much from each other.
But somewhere along the way, things changed. Ethan began to show a different side. He could be charming and funny. Their moments together that once felt fake started to feel warm and real. She found herself laughing with him, sharing parts of herself she didn't think she'd share. A real bond began to form.
But was that enough to forget the past? Could they ignore that their marriage was never what they truly wanted? Claire shut her eyes, trying to block the mixed feelings rising inside her. She had hoped things could get better. But every time she felt progress, they fell back into disappointment.
This wasn't all on Ethan. She had let herself hope for something. She had tried to create a life from a contract that was never meant to be emotional.
Now, she felt trapped by her own choices, and it was suffocating.
Her phone buzzed again. Ethan wanted to talk, to meet.
For a moment, she considered it. One talk could fix everything, right? But deep down, Claire knew it wouldn't. It wasn't just about talking anymore. It was about a truth they had both been ignoring.
A soft knock at the door broke her thoughts. Claire walked over, her heart racing. She wondered if it was Ethan. Instead, it was Mia, her best friend. Mia's concerned face told Claire everything.
"Mia," Claire greeted, stepping aside to let her in.
Mia looked around the apartment. "You're not okay, are you?"
Claire shook her head and sat on the couch. She wanted to say she was fine, but the words wouldn't come.
"I don't know what to do, Mia," Claire said, feeling the weight of her emotions. "I'm lost. I don't know if I should stay or leave. Ethan keeps saying it'll get better, but I'm so tired."
Mia sat beside her, listening without interrupting. She let Claire share her feelings.
"You're not alone in this," Mia said softly. "You've been holding this weight for so long. But have you thought about what you want? You've been busy making everyone else happy. Don't forget about yourself."
Tears filled Claire's eyes. It was true. She had focused too much on what others wanted. She had ignored her own needs.
"You don't owe anyone anything. Not even Ethan. Only you matter in this."
Mia's words sank in. Claire realized she had been seeking answers outside herself. The truth was, she needed to find it within.
But leaving wouldn't be simple. There would be consequences. What would happen to Ethan? How would her family react? She had always lived for others. Putting herself first felt impossible.
Mia seemed to sense her struggle. "You don't need to decide now. Think about it. But promise me: whatever you choose, make sure it's for you, not because of what anyone else thinks."
Claire nodded. Part of her still wanted to make things work with Ethan, but a bigger part knew living in a marriage that wasn't right for her was not an option.
After a pause, Claire spoke softly, "I think I need to leave."
Mia smiled gently. "That sounds like the best choice. You deserve to live your life."
The next day, Claire stood outside Ethan's apartment. The weight of her decision felt heavy.
Ethan opened the door before she knocked. He looked hopeful but also scared.
"You came," he said, voice barely above a whisper.
Claire nodded, stepping inside. The familiar smells and mess felt strange now. This place, once comforting, now reminded her of what she was trying to escape.
"I think it's time we talk," Claire said, her voice steady. "It's time to end this."
His face shifted from hope to confusion. "Please, let's fix this. I love you, Claire. I always have."
"I don't think that's true," Claire said softly, her heart heavy with sadness. "This marriage was just a contract for me. I need something more. I need to live my own life, not one based on obligations."
Ethan was silent for a long time. His gaze searched hers, as if trying to hold onto something slipping away.
Finally, he spoke. "I can't change what's happened. But I'll always love you, even if you leave. I hope you can forgive me one day."
Claire's heart ached. It would have been easier to stay and pretend. But she couldn't keep lying.
"I'm sorry, Ethan," she said, tears falling. "I have to go. For me."
With that, Claire turned and walked away from the life they had tried to build.
As she stepped out into the streets, each step felt lighter. She had made the right call. She had chosen herself. But a sad feeling lingered. Walking away was right, but it didn't make it easy.
The future was unknown. But Claire was ready.
She had her whole life ahead of her, and she was finally ready to take charge.