“We’re not divorcing,” he said, his tone firm as though it was the final word. “Elise, listen to me—let me explain.”
I stopped packing long enough to glare at him. “I don’t care about your explanation. I just want a divorce.”
He sighed, his shoulders sagging as he tried again.
“Kate is one of my first students. Of course, I feel something for her, but it’s only the bond between a teacher and a student. You’re reading too much into this.”
His words were a knife twisting in my chest, but I refused to falter. “I don’t care about your bond. I’m done, Brian. I don’t need you anymore. I’ve graduated and I’m no longer bound by my father’s wishes. It’s over. And honestly? I don’t even like you anymore.”
I took a step closer, my voice dropping to a whisper. “Don’t push me. I... I find you dirty.”
The words came out like poison, burning on my tongue. Brian flinched as though I had slapped him, but I didn’t stop.
Kate, still standing behind him, smirked triumphantly. Her presence was a constant reminder of everything I’d lost, everything I could never have.
***