Something cold and heavy lodged in my chest—like cotton soaked in ice water, pressing against my heart until it ached.
Victor hung up and noticed me holding the ruined crown. Annoyance flickered across his face.
"Stop picking up that junk. We're divorced now, but I'm not going to leave you with nothing. This villa is yours—you and the kid can stay. Talia's used to the place anyway."
"I'll also give you five million dollars. Odette Cox, learn to be grateful. That's enough for you and the child to live out the rest of your lives."
"And I appreciate you being sensible about this. No hysterics like before. You've saved me a lot of trouble."
His phone screen lit up. The coldness in his eyes melted instantly, replaced by a tenderness I hadn't seen in years.
"Anyway, the agreement's signed. I should go."
"Rebecca just called—she's scared of the thunder. You know how timid she is. She can't be alone. If I'm late, she won't sleep all night."
My fingers tightened around the broken crown.
Talia had just cried herself into convulsions because of him. Her own father hadn't spared her a single thought.
But that woman was afraid of a little thunder, and he couldn't get to her fast enough.
Before I could respond, Victor was already at the door.
He changed his shoes. Grabbed his car keys. Adjusted his collar in the mirror.
Every movement smooth and practiced. Not a trace of hesitation. Not a flicker of regret.
The door slammed shut behind him.
The house fell into a silence so complete it felt like death.
The tension drained from my spine all at once. I crumpled onto the carpet, boneless.
I didn't want to cry, but my eyes burned and swelled with unshed tears.
This past year had wrung me dry. There was nothing left to give.
The first breakdown came when I discovered the man who'd once promised to love me forever had betrayed our family—for a fresh-faced intern barely out of college.
When Talia had a fever, one phone call from Rebecca was all it took. He'd dropped us and walked out without a backward glance.
Then came the despair. Victor's cruelty knew no bounds. To force my hand so he could be with Rebecca openly, he'd cut off our household funds entirely.
But what could I do?
I'd refused to leave because I wanted Talia to have an intact family. But tonight, at that birthday dinner, Victor's words had slapped me awake.