Andrew didn't arrive until late, his footsteps echoing in the quiet house. Grace had been waiting for him, sitting at the kitchen table, the divorce papers in front of her, her hands resting lightly on top. She could hear the familiar sound of his keys as he unlocked the door, followed by the soft creak of the door swinging open.
He stepped into the dimly lit kitchen, his face tired, but something else lingered in his eyes—something she couldn't quite place. His gaze landed on the papers spread out before her, and his expression faltered.
"Grace, what is this?" Andrew asked, his voice filled with confusion and frustration.
Grace didn't respond immediately. She was calm now, the storm of emotions from earlier settling within her. She had made her choice.. She pushed the papers toward him, meeting his gaze with quiet determination.
"Sign them," she said simply, her voice steady, but cold.
Andrew's eyes widened. "You're serious?" He took a step closer, shaking his head. "You actually want a divorce?"
Grace nodded, her expression unwavering. "Yes, I want a divorce, Andrew. I'm done."
His face twisted with disbelief, and for a long moment, he simply stared at her, as if trying to process what she was saying. "I don't understand. I thought you'd come around. I thought we could fix this. Why are you doing this, Grace?" His voice rose, frustration seeping through the cracks of his calm exterior. "Why are you being so stubborn?"
Grace stood up, pushing the chair back slightly, but she didn't step closer to him. "Stubborn? No, Andrew. I'm being honest. I can't live like this anymore."
He laughed bitterly, rubbing a hand over his face. "I don't get it. You really think this is what love is? Throwing away everything we've built because I made a mistake?" He moved toward her, his eyes searching her face as if he couldn't comprehend her actions. "In the Bible, men had concubines, Grace. it's not a sin. Having two wives isn't a new thing. This isn't new. It's... it's normal." Polygamy is still accepted even today.
Grace's jaw clenched. "Don't use that excuse. You're not some ancient king, and I'm not your property to share with whoever you want." She took a deep breath, steadying herself before continuing. "You think this is about love? This isn't love. This is about respect. You betrayed me, and I won't let you do it again. And yes polygamy is still been accepted in the society, but I will not be cajoled into accepting what was never bargained for. I will not accept that which I wasn't created for "
Andrew's face contorted with anger now. "You're being selfish, Grace. You can't even understand what I need. What we need. You think this is easy for me too?"
"I understand perfectly," she said, her voice firm. "You made your choice, Andrew. And now, I've made mine." She took a step back, her eyes never leaving his. "This house—this house that I paid for—will not become your playground. Not for you, not for Sarah, not for anyone."
He froze, his face turning pale. "You're seriously telling me to leave? After everything?"
"Yes," she replied, her voice low but resolute. "You're the one who chose to tear this apart. Now, you leave. I'll stay here."
Andrew stared at her, disbelief written across his features. "You want me to leave my house? This is my house too, Grace."
Grace shook her head, a sharp edge to her words. "You didn't pay for it. I paid for 70 percent of it. This house is mine. You leave."
Andrew opened his mouth to argue, but then stopped, as if suddenly realizing the weight of what she was saying. He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. "I can't believe you're doing this. You're going to throw away everything—us—over something like this?"
"I didn't throw anything away," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You did. You made your choice, and now I'm making mine."
The silence between them was thick, the air heavy with the unsaid words hanging in the space between them. Andrew glanced at the divorce papers again, and then at Grace, as if searching for any sign of doubt. But there was none.
"You really want this to be over?" he asked, his voice softer now, almost pleading.
Grace didn't answer immediately. She just stared at him, her heart pounding in her chest. She had already made up her mind. There was nothing left to say.
"Yes," she finally whispered. "I'm done."
He stood there for a moment longer, his eyes searching her face one last time, as though he expected her to change her mind. But when she didn't, he sighed, shoulders sagging in defeat.
Then, without another word, he turned and walked out of the house without signing the paper.
Grace watched him go, the weight of everything pressing down on her, but surprising she feels relief.