Chapter 4

That day, William came home to pack his things. I couldn't remember the last time the two of us had really talked.

He hadn't even told me he was back. I only ran into him because I'd gone downstairs for a glass of water.

The moment he saw me, something like panic flickered across his face. His lips moved for a while, like he was wrestling with himself, and then he finally spoke, careful and low.

He said, "It's the weekend tomorrow, and a few of us are heading out camping. Sophia, do you want to come along?"

His whole body was tight as he got the words out. I couldn't tell whether he was hoping I'd say yes or bracing for it.

I couldn't hold back a laugh, and in that instant, the nerves in his eyes only sharpened. All at once, I felt the urge to tease him.

"Sure. I don't think I've been camping in years," I replied.

William just stood there, totally stunned.

William always knew I could never really blend in with his friends.

So honestly, he was just asking to be nice.

He crouched down and started taking the clothes he'd packed back out.

He didn't even look at me, clearly pissed off.

"Actually, I just remembered there's some stuff at work I need to deal with. I'm not going anymore, so you can skip it too," William said, sounding annoyed.

"Oh," I replied.

Without another word, I turned and headed downstairs.

I was in such a good mood, I gulped down a whole glass of water.

After a while, I heard the car downstairs drive away.

William had tiptoed out, suitcase in hand, trying to sneak away without me noticing.

Back then, he probably just didn't want me tagging along and embarrassing him.

But now, he was probably just worried I'd get in the way of whatever he had going on.

I watched as his car disappeared into the night.

I whispered, "William, when are you finally going to ask me for a divorce? I'm ready for it."

*****

Charlotte had posted something new on her Instagram story, and there wasn't a single like or comment under it. She must have set it so that only I could see it. I made myself look it over carefully.

William and Charlotte shared a tent, while everyone else was there with their wives.

William and Charlotte were the only ones without a spouse.

"William, you two should just share a tent. Charlotte's such a scaredy-cat. She'll definitely freak out if she's alone at night," someone teased.

Charlotte's brother glanced at them with a look that was hard to read.

Neither William nor Charlotte said a word.

"William, if you two are sharing a tent, don't try anything funny with my sister tonight," Charlotte's brother teased.

William chuckled, "Give me a break, do I look like that kind of guy to you?"

The next second, he pulled open the tent flap, his eyes were practically on fire.

"Come on, princess, get in. I'll stay with you tonight," William said.

I saved the video and, just for fun, hit the like button.

It was pretty clear from the video that William crossed the line.

He wasn't just emotionally checked out anymore. He actually made a move.

Was there any reason left to stay tangled up with a man this pathetic?

I turned the question over in my mind all night long.

By sunrise, it finally hit me. I knew exactly what I needed to do.

I didn't hesitate for a second. I packed up my things right away.

I moved into the place I'd worked so hard for, all on my own, before we ever got married.

William didn't call me until he'd been out for two whole days and nights.

His first words were, "Where are you? I'll come get you."

I gave him my address and sat on the couch.

I sat there waiting for him to show up.

When I opened the door, William looked exhausted, like he hadn't slept in days.

He sighed, "Sophia, I'm sorry for not telling you about the trip. That was on me.

"If you still want to go, I'll call in and take some time off. We can go together, just the two of us."

I let him in and poured him a glass of water.

Only then did I finally speak, "William, I'm not interested anymore."

William leaned back on the couch, eyes closed, rubbing his temples.

He obviously didn't take my anger seriously.

While we were talking, he casually pulled out his phone and texted Charlotte, telling her to get some rest.

Then William gave me a lazy, almost indifferent look.

"Fine, let's go home," he said.

He walked a few steps, then noticed I was still standing there.

He turned around, confusion written all over his face.

"I'm done, William. I don't want to be with you anymore," I said.