The divorce papers

The next morning dawned bright and golden, sunlight spilling across the city like a promise. For most people, it was an ordinary day. But for Chloe, it was her birthday—and she had been planning her grand party for weeks.

By noon, the Hale mansion was already buzzing with activity. Event planners moved about, arranging flower vases and decorations while chefs hurried in and out of the kitchen. The air smelled of roses, champagne, and anticipation.

Upstairs in her room, Chloe stood in front of the mirror, admiring herself in a sleek silver gown that shimmered under the soft light. Her hair was styled in perfect curls, her makeup flawless. She smiled at her reflection, satisfied.

Everything had to be perfect. Tonight would be another chance to show off—to remind everyone that she was Ethan Hale’s woman.

She picked up her phone and glanced at the time. Ethan hadn’t come to her room since morning. He had been distant lately, distracted. She had noticed it, but she wasn’t worried. In her mind, Ethan would always come back to her.

And right now, she wanted him focused on her birthday—not on the woman who had once been his wife.

Ethan, on the other hand, sat quietly in his study, staring at his phone. The words he had just typed burned on the screen.

“Mira, I’m giving you 24 hours to come back home. If you don’t, I’ll cut off all ties with you—for good.”

He hesitated for a second before hitting send.

The message delivered. He leaned back on his chair, running a hand through his hair. A part of him hoped she’d respond—beg even. He wanted to hear her voice, to see her walk back through that door, apologizing.

But deep down, he knew that wasn’t going to happen.

At the same moment, miles away, Mira sat on her bed with her laptop open. Her sister Lyra was beside her, going through some business files.

Her phone buzzed, and she reached for it lazily. When she saw the sender’s name, her lips curved into a small, cold smile.

“Mira, I’m giving you 24 hours to come back home…”

She read the message twice, almost amused by his arrogance.

After everything he had done—after the betrayal, the humiliation—he still thought he could command her like before.

“Who is it?” Lyra asked, noticing her expression.

Mira’s smile deepened. “Just someone who doesn’t realize he’s already lost me.”

Without a word, she blocked his number, tossed her phone on the table, and leaned back against the bedframe. A strange calm settled over her. For the first time, she wasn’t angry. She wasn’t heartbroken. She was simply done.

Her phone buzzed again, this time with a message from her lawyer.

Mira picked it up. “Are the papers ready?” she asked without preamble.

“Yes, Mrs. Hale,” the lawyer replied on the other end. “Everything’s been finalized and signed from your side.”

A satisfied smile touched her lips. “Good. Deliver them to my husband.”

There was a brief pause before he answered. “Understood. They’ll reach him within the hour.”

“Thank you,” Mira said softly, then ended the call.

Lyra watched her quietly. “You’re really going through with it?”

Mira turned to her, her eyes steady. “Yes. It’s time to close that chapter completely.”

Lyra smiled faintly. “Then let’s make sure the next one starts better.”

One hour later, the Hale mansion was in full celebration mode. Guests were beginning to arrive for Chloe’s birthday. The halls glittered with chandeliers, the tables draped in white silk. Laughter and music echoed faintly through the corridors.

But Ethan sat alone in the living room, lost in his thoughts. He hadn’t heard from Mira. No reply, no call. His phone lay silent beside him, and every minute that passed only fueled his irritation.

A sudden knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.

He frowned. “Come in.”

The door opened to reveal a young man in a neat suit holding a brown envelope.

“Good afternoon, sir,” the man said politely. “I was asked to deliver this to Mr. Ethan Hale.”

Ethan rose from his seat and walked over, taking the envelope. “Who sent this?”

The man simply shook his head. “I’m not at liberty to say, sir.”

Before Ethan could press further, the man turned and left.

Puzzled, Ethan closed the door and examined the envelope. It had no name, no seal—just a simple brown file with his name typed neatly across the front.

He frowned and carried it to the couch.

Just as he sat down, Chloe entered the room, her heels clicking against the marble floor. She was radiant, her silver gown glimmering under the light.

“There you are,” she said cheerfully, walking toward him. “Everyone’s asking for you. The guests are arriving already.”

Ethan forced a small smile, setting the envelope on his lap. “I’ll be there in a minute.”

She sat down beside him, crossing her legs elegantly. Her eyes fell on the brown envelope. “What’s that?”

“I don’t know,” Ethan muttered. “Someone just dropped it off.”

Her curiosity piqued, Chloe leaned closer. “Open it. Maybe it’s a surprise.”

He hesitated, then tore the seal open. Inside was a stack of papers clipped together.

He pulled them out—and froze.

At the top of the first page, bold and clear, were the words:

“PETITION FOR DIVORCE.”

For a long moment, Ethan just stared, unable to move. His eyes scanned the signature line—and there it was. Mira Hale.

His heart dropped.

Chloe, noticing his expression, leaned closer. “What is it?”

He didn’t answer immediately. His grip on the papers tightened, knuckles white.

“Mira…” he whispered under his breath.

“What did she send?” Chloe asked again, trying to peek.

Ethan finally looked up at her, his face a mix of disbelief and cold anger. “Divorce papers,” he said flatly.

Chloe blinked, her confident smile faltering. “What?”

He didn’t respond. He just leaned back slowly, his jaw tightening as he stared at Mira’s signature again.

The party music from outside grew louder, laughter echoing faintly in the background—but Ethan didn’t hear any of it.

All he could see were those papers—the end of everything he thought he controlled.