This was the third time, but this time, I stopped her.
I grabbed her wrist before she could strike, holding it firmly in the air. With a self-deprecating smile, I said, “I’m not worthy of you. I never was.”
“Today is your birthday. We’ll sort everything out tomorrow. I’ll draft the divorce papers.”
“I’ll leave with nothing.”
I released her hand and took a step back.
She seemed stunned, either by my firm resolve or by the stark contrast to my previous weakness.
She lost her balance and stumbled slightly.
Hector was quick to react, catching her and pulling her into his arms.
“Naomi, are you okay?” he asked, his face filled with concern.
Naomi shook her head, steadied herself, and pointed a trembling finger at me.
“So, Luke, you’ve finally grown a backbone and dare to speak to me like this?”
“What did I ever do to you that makes you want a divorce?”
I looked at the two of them, wrapped in each other's arms without a hint of discretion, and let out a bitter laugh.
The love I had once begged for felt as worthless as dust.
Better to let it go.
Taking a deep breath, I looked at Naomi and spoke my final truth.
“You once brought light into my life.”