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The tight black dress clings to my body like a second skin, accentuating every curve and making me feel exposed. This is not what I want, but it’s necessary for those divorce papers.

A text message from Oliver lights up on my phone. ‘Get down. I’m done waiting.’

When I emerge from the elevator into the foyer of our apartment building, Oliver’s eyes assess me like a piece of meat rather than a person.

He steps closer to me, running his fingers down my arm, and I feel the weight of my decision pressing down on me, suffocating me. The world around me seems distant and surreal, as though I’m watching it unfold from a great distance. You can do this. Just get through the evening. Survive it like you’ve survived everything else.

“Such a beautiful wife I have. Too bad you’ve been hiding away all this time.”

“Cut the crap. You don’t care about how I look. You just want to use me.”

“Is it so crazy that I want to stay connected to my wife? To our family?”

“Is it so crazy that I don’t want a lying, cheating husband in my life?”

“Enough.” Oliver steps closer to me.

“Sign the papers.”

“Not yet.” His lips brush against my ear as he speaks, and I shudder, stumbling back.

“There’s one thing missing.” Oliver reaches into his pocket.

I tense, clenching my fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms. What now?

He pulls out a glittering diamond wedding band, the one I haven’t worn in over a year. Not since I walked out on this toxic marriage.

“Put it on.” He holds it out expectantly.

“What? No. I’m not doing that.” I take a step back.

That ring is a symbol of our broken union, of empty promises and betrayal.

Oliver’s face hardens, a storm brewing behind his eyes. In two quick strides, he’s in front of me, grabbing my left hand forcefully. I try to pull away, but his grip is too tight.

“Don’t fight me on this.” He shoves the ring onto my finger.

I wince, the metal band feeling heavy and constricting. This isn’t right. None of this is right.

Oliver steps back, seemingly satisfied with his work, and offers his arm to me. “Shall we?”

I stare at the ring, heart pounding. This is the wrong one. The wrong ring.

“Darling.”

I take his arm, feeling that familiar pang of disgust as we walk to his waiting car. This nightmare will be over soon.

“Such a shame you never dressed like this when we were together. I might have been more inclined to come home.”

“Well, guess you couldn’t take the hint,” I say before I can stop myself.

“Careful. You wouldn’t want to ruin our lovely evening, would you?”

I swallow hard, fighting the tears threatening to spill over. “No, I wouldn’t.”

This is one night. One night. One step closer to freedom.

“Remember,” Oliver murmurs into my ear as I get into the car, his hand on the small of my back. “Happy wife.”

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