The Morgan residence stood tall and majestic under the afternoon sun, its timeless architecture an ode to the family’s wealth and legacy. The grand stone facade glimmered subtly, exuding a sense of invincibility. Yet inside its elegant walls, emotions stirred that no wealth or grandeur could contain.

Elara stood in front of the intricate oak doors of the study, clutching the signed papers from Silver Horizon Studios. The weight of her decision felt heavier as she prepared to face Arthur Morgan, the only person in the Morgan family who had ever treated her with love and kindness. She owed him this conversation—to tell him about her decision to divorce Caleb and leave everything behind.

Inside the study, Arthur sat in his high-backed chair, his cane resting across his lap. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of a desk lamp casting shadows on the walls lined with books and framed family portraits. The scent of aged leather and polished wood filled the air, evoking a sense of history.

“Come in, my child,” Arthur said warmly, his deep voice carrying a note of affection.

“You look like you are bothered by something.”

Elara stepped forward, her hands trembling slightly as she clasped them in front of her. She offered him a small, wavering smile before taking the seat across from him.

“Grandfather,” she began softly, using the endearment she reserved for him, “I need to talk to you about something important.”

Arthur tilted his head, his keen eyes studying her.

“You’ve always been honest with me, child. Speak your mind.”

Taking a deep breath, Elara met his gaze.

“I’ve decided to file for divorce from Caleb.”

Arthur’s expression faltered, his shoulders stiffening as her words sank in. His brows furrowed in concern.

“Divorce? Elara, are you sure about this?”

“Yes,” she said, her voice steady though her heart ached.

“It’s the only way forward. Caleb… he doesn’t love me. He never has. And I don’t want to live in a marriage where I’m nothing but an obligation.”

Arthur’s grip on his cane tightened as he leaned back, his face etched with sadness.

“Caleb is a fool if he doesn’t see your worth. But is there no hope? No way to salvage this?”

Elara shook her head, tears pooling in her eyes.

“I’ve tried, Grandfather. For four years, I’ve tried. But it’s not enough. He deserves to be happy, and so do I.”

She hesitated before adding, “I’ve also accepted an internship abroad. It’s with Silver Horizon Studios. I’ll be leaving soon.”

Arthur exhaled heavily, his gaze softening as he reached out to clasp her hands.

“You’ve always been too selfless, my dear. But I see you’ve made up your mind.”

His voice trembled slightly. “Just know that no matter what happens, you’ll always be a part of this family in my heart.”

Elara couldn’t hold back her tears any longer. She leaned forward, pressing her forehead against his hand as silent sobs wracked her body. Arthur patted her head gently, his own eyes misting over.

After gathering her composure, Elara left Arthur’s study. Her eyes were red-rimmed but resolute as she made her way down the long corridor. Lost in thought, she didn’t notice the tall figure approaching until she collided with him.

A familiar scent of cedarwood and musk enveloped her, and she froze. Lifting her gaze, she found herself staring into the piercing dark eyes of Caleb Morgan.

“Elara,” he said flatly, his tone devoid of warmth. His sharp business suit was immaculate, but his expression was as cold as ever.

Elara took a step back, straightening herself. “Caleb,” she replied with an air of calm, masking the storm within her.

Before either could speak further, Arthur appeared behind Elara, his cane clicking against the marble floor. He glanced at Caleb, his face tightening with barely concealed anger.

“So, you’ve finally decided to grace us with your presence,” Arthur said coldly, his voice dripping with disappointment.

Caleb’s brow furrowed as he looked between his grandfather and Elara. “I’ve been busy with work,” he replied curtly. “You know how demanding it is.”

“Work,” Arthur repeated with a scoff. He turned his attention back to Elara, his expression softening.

“You’re doing the right thing, my dear. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.”

With that, Arthur ignored Caleb entirely and walked away, his cane tapping sharply against the floor.

As soon as Arthur was out of earshot, Caleb’s gaze snapped back to Elara, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

“What did you say to him?” he demanded, his voice low but menacing.

Elara met his glare without flinching, her chin lifting slightly.

“I told him the truth.”

“What truth?” Caleb’s tone hardened, his frustration evident.

“That you’re trying to turn my own grandfather against me?”

Elara’s lips curled into a bitter smile.

“Don’t flatter yourself, Caleb. I don’t need to turn anyone against you. Your actions speak for themselves.”

Caleb took a step closer, his presence towering over her.

“You think you can just walk away from this marriage? From me? Don’t act like you’re doing me a favor.”

“I’m not,” she shot back, her voice sharp and steady.

“I’m doing myself a favor. For once, I’m putting my happiness first. Something you wouldn’t understand.”

Her words struck a nerve. Caleb’s fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tightening as he struggled to maintain control. For a moment, they stood there, locked in a silent battle of wills.

Then Elara turned on her heel, her head held high as she walked away. Caleb watched her retreating figure, an unfamiliar emotion clawing at his chest. She was different—stronger, fiercer. This wasn’t the quiet, submissive woman he had married.

After a moment of brooding in the corridor, Caleb followed Arthur into his room. The older man was seated at his desk, his hands folded in front of him as Caleb entered.

“You’ve made her feel like she’s nothing,” Arthur said without looking up, his voice laced with disappointment.

“You’ve let your pride blind you to the woman standing by your side.”

“Grandfather, this isn’t entirely my fault,” Caleb began defensively.

Arthur’s gaze snapped up, silencing him with a sharp look.

“No, it isn’t. But you’ve done nothing to make it better. If you let her go, Caleb, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”

Caleb clenched his fists, his grandfather’s words hitting harder than he wanted to admit. He didn’t understand why, but the image of Elara walking away kept replaying in his mind. And for the first time, he wondered if he had already lost her—or if he had ever truly had her to begin with.