Chapter 4 Caspian, It's Over!

Aurelia limped into the room she shared with Caspian, finding it empty except for her tonight. Her gaze fell on the heart-shaped sign on the door. She wasted no time tearing it down. The overly joyful decorations irked Aurelia, prompting her to tidy up. She paused at their wedding photo on the wall, staring silently. The pain in her eyes faded to indifference as she grabbed a pair of scissors and snipped through their smiling faces. After erasing all traces, Aurelia sank onto the couch alone. From dusk till dawn, her thoughts weighed heavy until a sound at the door broke the silence. Instead of springing up to greet him, Aurelia stayed seated. She quietly waited this time. Meanwhile, the unperturbed Caspian wearily settled beside her. Rubbing his temples, he ordered, "Get me a glass of water." Aurelia laughed bitterly and announced, "Caspian, it's over." Her steady voice left no room for misunderstanding. Caspian met her gaze with unfathomable eyes, his thoughts a mystery. Eyeing him, Aurelia smiled sarcastically and retorted, "Why the facade? You've had this plan since you abandoned me at the wedding, even when Nadia returned, right?" Caspian grabbed a pack of cigarettes from the coffee table, deftly pulled one out, lit it, and took a deep drag. After a tense silence, he spoke bluntly, "Separation's the best call. Your history with Nadia is too deep. It's only hurting her." Staring at him, Aurelia sneered openly. "I'm curious; how much more will you do for Nadia?" Caspian stubbed out the cigarette, impatience flickering across his face. "I've tried to forget Nadia for three years, but it's beyond my control. The feelings don't just disappear. I hope you get it and won't blame her. She's innocent." Aurelia laughed at his words, her thoughts bitter—three years side by side, day and night. I thought my love could transform him, that my passion could thaw his heart. I gave up so much, even jeopardized my family, only to be met with 'it's beyond control.' Hahaha! Caspian frowned at Aurelia, sensing her erratic demeanor and a twinge of pain gripping his heart. He stated, "Here's one million. It should be enough for you to live quietly in the countryside." Aurelia thought sarcastically, Haha! Three years of dedication, and you think it's worth just a measly one million. Little did Caspian know, one million meant nothing to her. "Caspian, I'm with you for you, not for the wealth and fame of your Draegen Family or the title of Mrs. Draegen that others envy!" Aurelia's delicate features hardened, her eyes brimming with indifference and resolve. "No apologies or payoffs! Remember, there's no going back between us!" she declared, standing tall and striding decisively to the door with her chin held high. Watching her depart, Caspian felt his heart tighten. His breath caught in his chest, and his hand unconsciously reached out to steady himself.