“Ari, we can fix this.”
I shook my head. “No, Scott. I can’t fix a man who loves being cared for but hates being responsible.”
He took the folder. His fingers brushed the note.
“You were right. I’m not your wife.
So I’m done being your safety net.”
“I didn’t mean it like that,” he said.
“I think you did. You just didn’t think it would cost you anything.”
His voice dropped. “Can we talk alone?”
“You had nine years alone with me. You used them to let me carry everything.”
No one moved.
I picked up my overnight bag. Chelsea took a box. Mr. Clement handed me the signed notice.
At the door, Scott whispered, “So you’re leaving me?”
I turned back.
“No. I’m leaving the unpaid role you gave me. The one without the title, the respect, or the love.”
That night, my phone buzzed until the screen went dark.
“Are you okay?” Chelsea asked.
“Not yet,” I said. “But I’m finally mine again.”
For the first time in nine years, I was not waiting for Scott to choose me.
I chose myself.
And by morning, my future finally had my name on it.
