ELENA'S POV
For a brief moment, I believed that Lorenzo might genuinely be concerned about my leg. Naturally, though, it was short-lived. He was once again completely unaware and, well, a bit of a jerk.
"I stumbled outside the hotel and—"
"You know what? It makes no difference. Before I can finish, he interrupts, "Just go apologize to Mom and Giulia."
Every time, it's the same thing. He interrupts me as if I hadn't even arrived. To be honest, I'm done with it. Why even tolerate his treatment of me in this manner?
I nearly tell him that he's going to become a father at that very moment, but I restrain myself. We don't even get along. In this setting, how can I raise a child? I have to consider the baby's best interests. I might be better off doing this alone.
I take a deep breath, feeling my heart race. I hardly raise my voice above a whisper when I say, "I want a divorce."
Speaking the words feels weird but liberating at the same time. As if I had just released my breath after holding it for ages. Now, there's no going back.
Lorenzo stops talking. I believe he's taking in what I just said for a moment. Then, as if it were impossible, he shakes his head. "What? You're not serious."
I give him a direct look. "Yes. I heard you. I'd like a divorce.
To avoid any misunderstandings, I make sure to speak slowly this time.
I've tried my hardest to make this work. I made an effort. I even tolerated his family treating me like a money-hungry gold-digger. But I'm at my breaking point. And during tonight's dinner, Lorenzo made it quite obvious that he has his sights set on someone else.
Lorenzo lets out a sigh as his annoyance grows. "Now stop saying dumb things."
"No, Lorenzo," I yell. "This is not up for debate. I'm finished.
We seem to be at a standstill as our eyes meet. This time, I'm not going to back down.
His voice is brimming with frustration as he says, "You're acting like a child, Elena." He's always like this — acting like he's the one who's always right. It wears you out. I feel like I'm hitting my head on a brick wall when I try to reason with him.
However, I'm done with that. This time, I won't let him win. "Lorenzo, I think three years is enough."
I can no longer contain myself. I'm going to tell him everything. His family always made me feel insignificant and like I was only his helper. He flirted with Giulia in front of me and consistently ignored me.
I'm about to say something when Lorenzo's phone rings. Fantastic. Now what?
He looks at me while he answers the phone. His voice is flat as he asks, "Mom?"
He still prioritizes everyone else over me, of course. I forget what I was going to say while Lorenzo is occupied with his mother. It no longer even matters.
"All right, Mom." Goodbye," he ends the call. He then gives me that expression, as if he is aware of my anger but doesn't give a damn.
He tells me, "I have to finish the proposal for Rossi e Moretti S.p.A. tomorrow." "Mom said it wasn't good enough after looking at it."
Anger is rising inside of me. I'm upset with him, but this is a big deal. I know I can't disrupt his concentration at this moment, and it's worth millions. I can't make this worse for him, no matter how much I want to argue. I take a deep breath. "All right, then, make the proposal better. I'll wait right here.
Lorenzo looks at me with his arms crossed, as if he's trying to predict my next move. He always wants to win, and every conversation with him is like a chess game.
His voice is firm as he states, "I don't think we need to have this conversation again." "Look, we can all move on if you just apologize. Let's not bring up the subject of your divorce.
His use of the word "divorce" makes me queasy. As if he doesn't even believe it. Like it's some joke.
I mumble, my voice trembling with rage, "You're a jerk, Lorenzo." Tears are starting to form in my eyes.
He dismisses me, saying, "Yeah, I've heard that one before." " Let's end the evening now. Both of us are exhausted.
He gives me a long look as if he's waiting for me to speak. I remain silent. I won't let him enjoy watching me cry. He leaves me behind and walks toward the room.
Tonight, I don't want to share a bed with him. Nothing will be fixed by sex. I request the key to a guest room from Giovanna. I require room.
I lie down on the pillow, close my eyes, and allow my mind to wander. I've given up a lot for this relationship. To be honest, I still have feelings for Lorenzo. However, when you feel totally alone in a marriage, love is insufficient.
We used to support one another in pursuing our goals. I was always there for him, and I admired his work ethic. But that all changed after we got married. I let him control everything. And maybe that was my mistake.
He told me I didn't need to work anymore. He said, "I'll take care of you." And he did. He bought me everything that money could buy. But affection? There wasn't much of that.
Now, he's correct. I'm worn out. I've allowed him to get away with doing just enough to keep me around for far too long. Although I've considered divorcing him in the past, he no longer feels that it would be a huge deal. He won't remember it tomorrow; it's just another one of my "moods." I won't, though. I've decided.