Love in the Eye of the Storm

Chapter 15

I used to be a bright, ambitious young woman with a future so full of promise. When Alexander first started his company, he didn't want me to overwork myself, but that didn't stop me. I was there for every late night, every investor pitch, every milestone. Alexander Enterprises didn't rise on his shoulders alone, it was built by both of us, side by side.

If we ever parted ways, I'd have every right to half of it.

But now, standing at the edge of life and death, none of that matters anymore. I don't want his company. I don't want his money. All I want is a divorce, the house, and to make a final donation to Sunrise Orphanage. That's it.

Maybe you just know when the end is close. Because today, I feel weaker than ever. I need to get the divorce finalized before my time runs out. Even the house feels meaningless now. The money? Forget it. I have something even more valuable, my jewelry. If I sold them for half their worth, I'd still make millions. More than enough to keep those kids safe and warm for years.

"Is divorcing me really what you want?"

Alexander's voice cracked as he looked at me, red-eyed and stunned. Like I was the one who betrayed him. Like he couldn't believe I'd want out.

I almost laughed.

He had the audacity to look hurt. Him. After everything he did. If he'd ever truly loved me, how could he cheat? How could he leave me in pieces and still expect to be forgiven?

I was done pretending.

"Alexander," I said, my voice like ice, "I already told you. You disgust me."

"Cheating men are the lowest. Honestly, you make my skin crawl." I stared at him, dead inside. "If I die before divorcing you, I'll be scared you'll haunt me in the next life."

"I didn't cheat…" he said hoarsely, suddenly grabbing me, like he could anchor himself through desperation.

It hurt. His grip was too tight, and I instinctively recoiled, my stomach churning again.

"Alexander, let go. You're hurting me. And frankly, you're making me sick."

He froze, pain washing over his face, helpless and ashamed. Gone was the man who used to shower me with love. In his place stood a stranger grasping at pieces of a love he broke himself.

Still, he didn't let go. He reached for my hand again, eyes pleading.

"Madeline, please... You're the only one I've ever loved. I only helped Chelsea because… she reminded me of you. The way you were at seventeen."

I felt bile rise in my throat.

"God, do you even hear yourself?" I yanked my hand away. "How does she remind you of me? The seventeen-year-old me would've never been a mistress. Never betrayed someone who saved her life."

"So tell me, Alexander, how the hell is she anything like me?"

He looked stunned, words failing him. But he didn't need to say more, because Tanya had heard enough.

She stormed over and slapped him, hard.

The crack echoed in the room.

"Get out!" she screamed, voice shaking. "She said you make her sick! Why are you still here?"

Her eyes welled with tears as she glared at him.

"You stood at her brother's grave, Alexander! You promised you'd protect her, love her, never hurt her. And now? She's dying, and you're out there playing house with another woman like she's already dead!"

"Madeline wants a divorce. If there's even a shred of decency left in you, you'll give it to her."

Alexander stood there, pale as a ghost. "I won't divorce her..." he murmured. Like if he said it softly enough, it would undo the damage.

I took a deep breath, my voice calm but final.

"Alexander... it's time. Let go."

I added with a bitter smile, "You already have Chelsea, "

Before I could finish, his phone buzzed. He glanced down, and his expression shifted in an instant.

It was Ms. Harris.

He answered quickly, panic creeping into his voice.

"Mr. Alexander! Please, come quick! Chelsea's on the roof, she's threatening to jump! That blogger stirred everyone up, and now she's completely broken down. Please… she needs you!"