I stared through my glasses, feeling a mix of shock and confusion. "Did I...make a mistake? If so, I apologize," I ventured. Helen interrupted, her usually refined voice tinged with frost, "There's no need for apologies, Tristan. Your actions haven't been at fault, but your complacency is." My frown deepened as a chill ran down my spine. "What exactly do you mean?" Vivian let out a sigh, clearly frustrated with my lack of understanding. "Do we have to spell it out? Our marriage isn't sustainable anymore. You lack drive, and I've grown beyond you. It's for my own betterment that I'm choosing to end things," she declared coldly. Her words struck me like a physical blow. I gazed at the once adored face, now distant and cold, struggling to comprehend her revelation. "You're...letting me go?" I whispered in disbelief. Linda then handed me a crisp legal envelope, and my hands trembled as I took it from her perfectly manicured nails. Inside, I found the horrifying confirmation – divorce papers, fully prepared for my signature. As I read the terms, they heavily favored Vivian. "This...states I'd receive nothing," I muttered, stunned. "No alimony, no share of our joint assets or property..." "Of course," Linda replied nonchalantly, examining her nails. "You made no meaningful financial contributions to our marriage. Thus, you leave with what you brought – nothing."
