Never in my wildest dreams did I envision a day when Charles would hold me close, confessing his fit of jealousy.
"You once asked me why I was against divorce,"
he started.
His voice was laced with an intensity that took me by surprise.
"Do you want to know why? It's because I cannot bear the thought of you being with someone else."
He looked away,
"Imagine standing at the entrance, watching your radiant laugh shared with another man. The sting of jealousy threatened to engulf me."
"I knew deep down that there was nothing between you and Allen, yet I found myself consumed by envy,"
his voice trembled.
I stood silently, embraced in his arms.
"You've also asked me why I desire a divorce, haven't you, Charles?"
He drew in a sharp breath.
"For the past five years, I have been Charles's wife to the world. But in my heart, I realized I had lost my own identity in the process. Charles, I no longer wish to be known as your wife because I yearn to be Dagny again."
"I want to live a life that is purely my own,"
I confessed, gently extricating myself from his arms.
"It's been five years, let's part amicably, shall we?"
His denial was subtle; shaking his head, the corners of his eyes tinted red.
I paused before moving to leave.
Suddenly, Charles's hand snatched at mine.
"Please consider this,"
his plea hung between us.
"All I'm asking for is one more chance."
His palm burned against my skin.
"Fine,"
I uttered quietly,
"if by year-end, you resign as CEO of Tyler, we won't divorce."
He stood bewildered,
"What?"
"That's my only condition,"
I confirmed.
Charles didn't utter a word.
"Dagny, this demand, it's too harsh..."
I shook my head and tried to free my hand, but his grasp remained firm.
"It's this one condition and no other." I insisted.
After what felt like an eternity, he loosened his grip.
"I understand,"
was all he managed to say.