Chapter 4 - The Ultimatum
It happened on a rainy Tuesday. Clara was in the kitchen making Marcus’s favorite dinner when he walked in, his face set in stone. He didn't take off his coat. He just threw a thick manila envelope onto the kitchen island.
"What is this?" Clara asked, wiping her hands on a towel.
"Divorce papers," Marcus said, his voice void of any emotion. "I’m leaving you, Clara."
The room spun. "Marcus? What are you talking about? Have I done something wrong?"
"Yes," he sneered. "You stayed the same. I've outgrown you, Clara. I'm destined for the one percent, and you’re perfectly content being a nobody. I need a woman who understands power. I’m with Chloe now."
Clara’s heart shattered, but years of Vanguard discipline kicked in. Her tears stopped before they could fall. She looked at the man she had given up her empire for, seeing him truly for the first time. He was small, greedy, and painfully ordinary.
"You're leaving me for Chloe Sterling?" Clara asked, her voice dropping an octave, losing its soft, accommodating lilt.
"She's a woman of status. She has connections. Something you wouldn't understand," Marcus scoffed. "Sign the papers, Clara. I’ve been generous enough to leave you the Honda and a small severance from our joint account."
He was trying to leave her destitute.
Clara looked at the papers, then at Marcus. "Are you sure this is what you want?"
May you like
"More than anything. I want you out of this penthouse by Friday."
Clara picked up a pen and signed the documents without a single tear. "Goodbye, Marcus."
