"What is going on with that woman?" Cassian muttered as he drove home. "Just yesterday, she looked like a lost puppy, terrified of being left alone."
He had planned to spend the night at Tessa's house, but Seraphina had made things clear. If he wanted her to sign the annulment papers, he had to follow her terms. That meant going home and sleeping in the same house with her for a year.
Fine. One year was not so long. He had already explained it to Tessa. They would have to make a small sacrifice now, so they could be together legally later. He could not wait to marry her.
Tessa was five years younger. Lively, sweet, and..God, she looked like a goddess. Yes, his wife was beautiful too, but Tessa had something different. Something that drove him wild. Maybe this was what people meant when they said you were truly in love.
It all started at a family gathering six months ago. The moment he saw Tessa, he was captivated. They just clicked. Since that day, they had been inseparable. Going to the mall, spontaneous trips, or just random meetups. She always called. She always checked on him. She made him feel seen.
Meanwhile, Seraphina had been buried in house chores. She rarely asked about his day, always saying she was too tired to go out. When he invited her somewhere, she often said no. Slowly, the gap between them widened, until Tessa filled the space.
When he walked into the house that evening, he was met by a warm, cheerful voice.
"Hi, hubby!" Seraphina greeted, looking stunning in a fitted V-neck dress.
She kissed him on the lips. When was the last time she kissed him like that? He could not remember.
"Hubby, I made your favourite dinner!" she said, smiling as she gently took his arm and led him to the dining table.
"Wow... beef caldereta and sisig."
There were lit candles, soft music playing in the background, it felt like a romantic date night.
"Do you like it?" Seraphina asked, eyes glowing with hope.
"Yes... who would not?" he replied flatly.
"I love you, Cassian," she said with a soft smile, her voice filled with warmth.
Even as she smiled, he noticed the sadness in her eyes. A part of him ached for her. He once loved this woman deeply. But now… all he felt was pity.
"You do not have to answer, Cassian," she said, still smiling. "Like I told you before... just let me love you."
Every word from her mouth felt like a quiet cry from a broken heart.
"Just help me, Cassian. Help me create good memories before we finally go our separate ways. I want to remember you with a smile. I want to think of your name and feel happy... not regret," she whispered, gently taking his hand.
He could not speak. For the first time in months, Cassian felt something shift inside his chest. Not love, but guilt. A heavy, silent guilt. He saw tears silently rolling down her cheeks, though she tried her best to hide them.
"Ssshh... wife," Cassian said in a gentle tone. "One day, you will meet someone who will never hurt you. Someone who will heal all these wounds... someone who will love you more than I ever did."
Seraphina gave him a faint nod and wiped her tears.
"Let's eat, before the food gets cold."
The meal she had prepared was delicious. Cassian knew he would probably miss her cooking once their annulment was final.
"Seraphina, thank you. The dinner was amazing."
"Do not mention it, hubby!" she replied with a cheerful smile. "Oh, and by the way, I forgot to tell you, I decided to start working again. I applied to Knightley University two weeks ago. The dean called this morning and said I can start on Monday!"
He looked at her seriously. "Are you sure you want to work, Seraphina? Even after the annulment, I will still support you financially."
"No, Cassian. I want to earn for myself. I want to prepare for the life I will live without you."
"But why not work for your family's company? You're the only heir, right?"
"Not yet, Cassian. Right now, I want to teach. That has always been my calling."
"Well, it is your life to live. Your choice to make," he said simply.
Then Cassian reached for his phone and played a song: "Remember Me This Way."
Their song. Their theme when love still ruled their world.
"May I have this dance, hubby?" she asked softly.
"I would be glad to," he replied.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head against his chest. She inhaled his familiar scent, the one she had missed for so long.
"At least your perfume stayed the same," she murmured under her breath.
He placed his hand on her waist, pulling her closer.
"Seraphina..."
She looked up, her eyes searching his face. At this moment, they both knew, might never happen again. It would soon become just another memory. But it was one she would keep close to her heart forever.
Her sad gaze pierced through him, and for the first time in a long while, something inside Cassian cracked. Guilt again and regret. Maybe even something more.
Without saying another word, he leaned down and kissed her deeply. A kiss filled with emotion he could not explain. Seraphina responded, clinging to the moment like it was their last.
Her body trembled as he held her tighter, the passion between them building quickly.
Cassian scooped her into his arms and carried her into their bedroom, into the space they had not shared for six long months.
And that night, they gave in to everything they had buried for far too long.