Aethelgard's Divorce

nnovator of the Year" awards gala. Liam's game, "Aethelgard's Echo," was the frontrunner for the top prize. The ev

I created a color-coded map of the venue, highlighting quiet zones where he cou

as the ceremony was beginning. The frantic energy of the red carpet and the flashing cameras sent Liam into a state of vi

through the crowd towards our table. "J

" was being announced. Liam's name was called. A wave of panic

t," he

reassuring squeeze. "It's your moment. Just walk

an walking to his own execution. He accepted the heavy trophy, mumbl

introduction, I could see Liam's anxiety escalating. He started tapping his fingers on th

he. Look at me. We can leav

me was called again. He had won. The entire room erupted in applause, standing to their feet.

d up and tried to gently pull him to

lent movement that knocked over my water glass. The sound of the shattering glass seemed to

is voice low but filled with ven

rrified silence fell over our section. People stared, their expressions a mixture of confusion and

tage, but towards the exit. And then I saw her. Olivia Thorne. She had been sitting a

voice calm and soothing. "It

ng on her as if she were his anchor in the storm. He had rejected his wife,

ter a perfect metaphor for my life. I don't know how long I sat t

aid quietly. "I'm

s coming from Liam's studio. I ran to the door. It was locked. I could hear him inside, yelling, throwing

or. "Liam! Let me

, his hair wild, his eyes blazing with a terrifying, unfocused rage. The studio, his pristine sanctuary,

t's wrong! You pushed me! You're always there, hovering

lp you," I said, my

of furniture my grandfather bought. You're not real. Olivia, she's re

cruelty. He was taking every insecuri

ser. "You're just the person who lives in my hou

nd finally let the tears come. I had tried to be his shield, but all I had become was his target. He didn't just resent my presence; he hated me for it. And I