She wrapped her arms around him from behind and whispered softly, "I love you."

"Hmm..." was all he gave in return.

The sound was faint, distant nothing like the warmth she had grown used to. A small knot tightened in her chest.

For days now, she had noticed the change. The way his smiles no longer reached his eyes. The way his words had become shorter, colder. His silence had begun to feel like a storm gathering on the horizon, and she could no longer ignore the warning signs.

"What happened to you? Why are you ignoring me?" she asked quietly.

His expression remained unreadable.

"It's time we broke up," he said. "I can't continue this relationship anymore."

The words struck her like a bolt of lightning. She staggered back, staring at him in disbelief. Surely, she had heard him wrong.

For a moment, the world around her seemed to blur. Breathing became difficult. Her heart pounded wildly against her ribs as if trying to escape the pain that had suddenly taken hold of it.

Just a few days ago, he had promised to marry her. A few days ago, he had spoken of forever. And now, without warning, he was talking about ending everything. Was he serious? She tried to compose herself despite the shock running through her body.

"Why?" she asked.

"Because I'm bored of you," he replied in an emotionless voice.

The moment those words left his mouth, tears started streaming down her face. Her chest heaved as panic and heartbreak settled deep inside her. It felt like someone had suddenly pulled the ground out from beneath her feet.

She cupped his face between her trembling hands.

"Are you angry with me?" she asked desperately. "Tell me, what have I done? Did I do something wrong?"

Her voice cracked, and her lips trembled as she spoke. Her eyes were filled with tears, and she knew the fear of losing him was clearly visible in them.

She searched his face for an answer, for a sign that this was all a misunderstanding. But there was nothing.

Only coldness. And that frightened her more than anything else.

" I'll give you the rest of the money. From tomorrow, I don’t need you here anymore. Is that understood?” he said, his voice stripped of emotion, while she broke into tears.

She clung to him tightly, pleading desperately. “Don’t break my heart like this. You promised you would marry me what changed so suddenly? Don’t you love me?”

“I can’t marry you,” he replied bluntly, trying to free himself from her embrace.

But she only held on tighter, tears streaming down her face. “Why?” she asked, trembling.

“Because you are a whore… a prostitute. Did you hear me? I can’t marry a woman like you,” he shouted, wrenching himself free and pushing her away as though she were nothing but dust.

She fell to the floor, scratching her knee, her face hidden beneath tangled hair. Bracing herself with trembling hands, she stared down at the ground, as if it held the answers she was too shaken to find. She was still in shock, still trying to understand what he had just said.

It was the first time he had called her that word—whore—and it struck her heart like a blade.

Heavy tears dropped onto the floor, one after another, and she couldn’t bring herself to look back at him.

“I bought you with money,” he said coldly. “A woman who would sleep with anyone for money. You slept with me today; tomorrow you will sleep with someone else. It means nothing to you, does it? Have you ever thought about yourself before dreaming of becoming my wife? Huh!”

His voice seethed, each word pushing her further down. “You are nothing but dirt beneath my shoes—something I can crush whenever I want.”

And in that moment, he placed her where he believed she belonged.

She said nothing more. She didn’t argue, didn’t defend herself. She was too numb to feel anything. His words kept echoing inside her mind.

“Your remaining money,” he said, and threw a few dollars at her face.

She didn’t react. She only stared at the notes through tear-blurred eyes. She had never been what he called her. She had never been a slut. But today, she felt like one because of his words. 

The only question that haunted her was why. Why did he break her like this?After showing her paradise, why was he now throwing her into hell?

What had she done wrong?

What was the fault in her love?

...Characters ...

Irtifa Sehu

A 21-year-old beautiful girl with 5'2" height, a pair of deep brown colour eyes and shoulder-length black hair. She is studying in a university. She is a very hard working girl because she is the only earning member of her family.

Ardian Sehu

Irtifa's elder brother. He is 25 years old. He is a college dropout and drug addict person. He is unemployed and tortures his younger sister for money. He is completely a useless fellow

Melody Sehu

Irtifa's mom. She is 57 years old. She used to be a hardworking lady but after getting diagnosed with cancer she couldn't continue working. Now, she is lying on the bed depending on her daughter fully.

Ezekiel Knight

A 30-year-old handsome man with 6'0" height and a pair of black eyes.

He is one of the richest men. He has no lack of wealth and he isn't arrogant and proud like other rich people. He has a reputation for being kind and helpful to everyone. He is a complete family man. Loves his wife a lot.

Rihanna Knight

A 30-year-old beautiful and smart woman. She is Ezekiel's wife and one of the highest-paid actresses in the film industry.

James Watson

Ezekiel's best friend and the same age as him. He is also a rich businessman and quite opposite of Ezekiel in nature. He is proud of his money and likes to show it off.

Inside a dark room, a young man was sleeping peacefully on his bed hugging a pillow. He was naked under a blanket and a cigarette was still in his hand.

Clothes and used condoms were scattered across the whole room. The scent of cigarettes and alcohol lingered heavily in the air, filling every corner. In a word, the whole room was a complete mess.

His peaceful slumber was broken by continuous knocking on the door. Letting out some frustrated groan, he dragged himself up and went to open the door. He opened the door while rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand. A young girl stood outside, burning with rage.

" Irtifa, why are you disturbing me early in the morning?" He asked, his voice thick with irritation.

Irtifa inquired angrily," You stole my money again, Ardian. How could you?"

" Shut up, bitch!" He snapped. " Don't spoil my mind now. I want to sleep," he pushed her away.

Pushing him back she screamed at the top of her lungs," I saved that money for Mom's chemotherapy not for your whores."

She hissed in pain while touching her throbbing cheek. Tears clouded her vision while she felt her lips bleeding.

" Listen bitch. Another word coming out of your mouth, I will throw you outside of this house," Ardian threatened.

Irtifa’s face turned pale upon hearing him. Clenching her fists, she endured the abuse without uttering a word. She didn’t want to be homeless while her mother was struggling for her life. Sometimes, she really got angry with her father because of his foolish decision to put the house in Ardian’s name.

" Get lost," Ardian shouted throwing her outside of the room.

He shut the door right in her face while she continued standing there in silence. It wasn’t the first time Ardian had raised his hand on his sister and stolen her money. Since he is unemployed, he depends on her income. Once, Irtifa decided to go to the police to file a complaint against Ardian, but her mother, Melody, stopped her from doing so. Melodi’s motherly love couldn’t allow Ardian to go to jail.

Wiping away the remaining tears, Irtifa returned to her room hurriedly. She heard her mother coughing from the next room. She didn’t know how she was going to bear the expenses of her mother’s chemotherapy.

“Dad, why did you leave me alone? How am I supposed to take care of Mom alone?” Irtifa questioned, looking outside aimlessly.

Irtifa’s life was going well until her father died in an accident at work. Her father had moved to the USA from Albania when she was 12 years old. He got a good job, bought a house, and everything was going well. But slowly, he became addicted to alcohol and gambling. He started taking loans from banks and borrowing money from friends and relatives. Gradually, he accumulated a mountain of debt.

He died, but his death brought many problems for Irtifa and her family. Her brother was already addicted to drugs, and now her mother was struggling to fight cancer. Adding to her pain, people started asking her to repay her father’s debts. At just 17, she took full responsibility for her family.

“Jesus Christ, please show me a way. I don’t know what I should do,” Irtifa prayed silently while looking at the sky.

At somewhere else

“ Just read some news about Rihanna,” James said, breaking into Ezekiel's focus.

Ezekiel didn’t look up from his laptop, “And what is it?”

“ Rihanna Knight kissed her co-actor, Liam Jones, at last night’s award function. Netizens are saying that her friendship is a little deeper than any regular friendship,” James announced the headline loudly.

He expected an angry reaction from Ezekiel, but he didn’t get one. Instead of getting angry, Ezekiel remained calm. It wasn’t the first time he had heard something like that about his wife. He never believed what other people said. He loved his wife and trusted her fully.

“Oh, really! I wonder when these people will stop gossiping,” Ezekiel replied, diverting his gaze to James.

James leaned forward, voice sharp, “Come on, dude. Open your eyes. Don’t be a fool. She is cheating on you!"

“ She is an actress, a highest-paid actress. Of course, the media will spread such rubbish about her. I believe in my wife, so please don’t try to manipulate me,” Ezekiel said, masking his discomfort.

Ezekiel didn’t believe in gossip, but for the last few days, Rihanna’s changed behavior had been making him worried. He could feel the lack of affection and communication between them. Rihanna had changed a lot since she got a new project with Liam Jones. She used to prioritize her family and her husband, but not anymore. She had changed, and this frightened Ezekiel.

He was a billionaire, and if he wanted, he could have affairs with other women, but he was different. He was loyal to his wife. For him, marriage was a serious responsibility, and for the past ten years, he had honored that commitment.

“One day you will regret it,” James said, and it was the last remark he made.

Ezekiel mocked James, “ Says the person who has multiple mistresses.”

Ezekiel knew why James was after Rihanna like that. He knew why James wanted to manipulate him against her. James had once liked Rihanna, but she chose Ezekiel. Though James claimed he had no feelings for her anymore, Ezekiel knew he had not overcome the rejection. So whenever James tried to manipulate him, Ezekiel ignored him.

“Whatever!” James rolled his eyes.

It was 11 p.m. when Ezekiel reached home. Entering the bedroom, he noticed Rihanna was already there. A smile formed on his lips after seeing her beautiful, charming face, but it vanished upon noticing the luggage beside her.

“Are you going somewhere, Riha?” he asked in confusion.

Stepping closer to him, she answered in one breath, “I want a divorce, Ezi.”

The words didn’t echo. They sank. Silence filled every corner of the room, heavy enough to bend the air. Ezekiel didn’t speak at first. He just looked at her—searching for a joke that wasn’t there.

“Why? Did I do something wrong, Riha?” he sounded desperate. He held her face gently.

She removed his hands from her cheeks and took a breath. She looked down with guilty eyes while Ezekiel waited for her to say she was joking. A few seconds later, she raised her head to look at him.

“No, Ezi. You are a good person—maybe the kind of gentleman every woman desires. But I’m sorry, I can’t be with you anymore,” she answered softly.

Letting out a sigh, he asked briefly, “Why?”

“Because I have lost my feelings for you. The spark I used to feel for you, the affection I had for you—it’s gone now. Honestly, I don’t love you anymore. A gap has grown between us. I don’t know why or how, but I just can’t live with you anymore,” she said. Her voice didn’t shake even a bit.

She only thought about herself. She didn’t notice the sadness and pain in his eyes. He wondered how she could end their ten years of marriage, how she could stop loving him so suddenly. He loved her truly. He never interfered in her professional life. He loved her the way she was. Then what had changed now?

“ So the rumours were true?” Ezekiel asked.

In response, Rihanna remained silent. Her silence gave him his answer. He understood why she had lost the spark between them.

“ Riha, we have a child together. At least think about Errol,” he reminded her.

Errol was Ezekiel’s sister’s son, and after her death, he had adopted him. Rihanna had accepted him as her own without hesitation.

She replied curtly, “You can keep Errol with you. But I’m sorry.”

Ezekiel didn’t say anything. He realized he couldn’t force her to stay. She didn’t even care about their son—how would she care about his feelings? He believed love should be mutual, not forced. If she wanted to leave and her happiness lay in the divorce, he was ready to let her go.

“Okay, as you say. I will sign the divorce papers,” he replied, and as expected, she ignored the sadness on his face.

Irtifa and her friend Silvia were doing assignments while sitting in the reading room of their university. Silvia was the one who was talking non-stop, sharing her opinions, while Irtifa seemed absent-minded. She wasn’t even hearing what Silvia was saying.

Silvia noticed the anxiety on Irtifa’s face. Her eyes were so red, as if she had cried the whole night. It was not unknown to Silvia that Irtifa was going through a financial crisis. She also knew about Irtifa’s family situation. She guessed that something might have happened.

“It’s about your mom, right?” Silvia asked Irtifa.

Irtifa answered, staring at the table, “I think I am going to lose my mom as well.”

“What happened?” Silvia asked, softening her voice.

This time, Irtifa could not control her emotions anymore and burst into tears. Placing a hand over her mouth, she started hiccupping. Silvia moved closer, hugged her, and patted her back to console her.

“I need money, Silvia. I want to save my mom. But I don’t know where I will get such a huge amount. Somehow I saved some money, but my asshole brother stole it from me. I don’t understand what I should do,” Irtifa said while hiccupping.

Breaking the hug, Silvia said, “You can borrow from me. You can return it whenever you can.”

“How many times, Silvia? I have already borrowed enough from you,” Irtifa said, sounding ashamed.

Yes, she had borrowed money from Silvia before but could not return a single penny yet. Like a true friend, Silvia had always helped Irtifa, but it still embarrassed her.

“If you want, I can suggest a permanent solution for you,” Silvia suddenly said.

Wiping away her tears, Irtifa asked curiously, “Permanent solution?”

“Yes, a solution that will change your life. Your mom will be saved, and you will never feel a lack of money again,” Silvia suggested, and Irtifa’s eyes twinkled with sudden hope and happiness.

Then Silvia began explaining, “My mom was a drug addict and left me when I was just 13, and I never knew who my dad was. I was thrown into an orphanage, from where I escaped at 16 to fulfill my dream of becoming an independent, educated woman.”

Hearing her, Irtifa was shocked beyond belief. She never knew Silvia was an orphan. Since Silvia always wore branded clothes, adorned herself with expensive jewelry, and rode in expensive cars, Irtifa had thought she belonged to a rich family.

“I know what you are thinking. How do I get money to live such a lavish life, right?” Silvia asked, and in response, Irtifa only nodded.

Silvia took a breath and answered, “I work as a high-profile escort.”

The word was not foreign to Irtifa, but Silvia’s involvement in such a job astonished her.

“There is a club named ‘Fallen Angels’. I work there. Most of my clients are old billionaires. They pay me amounts you cannot even imagine. So I am telling you to join me,” Silvia suggested.

“This is…” Irtifa hesitated.

Silvia chuckled and replied, “Prostitution, right? You can think of it however you want. But this is the only way. So think before you speak.”

Irtifa did not understand what to do. She knew what Silvia was telling her to do—sell her body in exchange for money. How could she do that? According to her, it was not something respectable. What would her mother think if she found out what her daughter was doing to save her? If she came to know that Irtifa had sold her body for money, she would prefer death over being saved by such earnings. Irtifa was in complete dilemma while thinking about all this.

“Come on, Irtifa. Don’t think too much. Just sell your body for once and you will be a millionaire. In that club, most of the old men come to satisfy their desires. They need young bodies to fulfill their sick fantasies, while girls like me need their money. It’s a good deal. You just have to sign an agreement with your customer for three to four months. Once you get the money, you can return to your normal life,” Silvia said in one breath, as if it was not a big deal.

Irtifa replied, shaking her head, “Won’t it make me a prostitute even if I do it only once? I can’t do it.”

“It’s an agreement. You are selling your time and body, not your soul. Trust me, Irtifa, the amount those men pay is enough to cure twenty cancer patients at a time,” Silvia said, holding Irtifa’s shoulder.

Irtifa remained completely silent. She did not know what to say. Her mother’s pale face kept appearing in her mind nonstop. Her family’s situation and her brother’s carelessness were pushing her to think about Silvia’s proposal again and again.

“Once Mom is cured, I can get back to my normal life,” she thought. This one sentence convinced her to agree with Silvia.

Having no other choice, she agreed with her friend, and a tear rolled down her eye.

“I am ready,” she said meekly, which brought a chuckle to Silvia’s face.

Then Silvia whispered in her ear, “Just share your body, not your heart, because in the end, you will get hurt if you do.”

Irtifa did not understand Silvia’s words, because the only thing she was thinking about was her mother.

****************

Meanwhile, Ezekiel's life turned upside down since the day Rihanna left him.

“ I told you that she was cheating on you. But you never believed me,” James told Ezekiel, and he remained completely silent.

Ezekiel realized that James was right.

Ezekiel was gulping down alcohol as if there was no tomorrow. He felt so broken that he couldn’t describe it in words. She divorced him!

How easily she forgot everything and moved on. He didn’t know what was lacking in his love that she decided to break him like that.

“Stop it, dude. You are going to kill yourself,” James shouted at Ezekiel and took the alcohol bottle from his hand.

Ezekiel yelled, “Give back that bottle.”

“Don’t act like a teenager. Think about Errol,” he shot back with the same intensity.

Letting out a painful chuckle, Ezekiel answered, “What should I do, James? Every fucking second, I can only think about her! No matter how much I try to forget her, I can’t. What was the fault in my love?”

Saying all this, he lit a cigarette. Taking a puff, he looked at James with hurtful eyes and felt guilty instantly. He didn’t know how many times he had insulted James just because he talked against Rihanna. But in the end, James was right.

“Sorry, dude. I trusted the wrong person,” he apologized, taking another puff when James snatched the cigarette from his hand.

He said, “You need a distraction from that woman.”

He paused for a second. “Only another woman can distract you from that bloody cheater," James suggested.

“I don’t want to be with any woman, James,” Ezekiel answered curtly. " Not after what Rihanna did to me," Ezekiel's voice cracked.

Suddenly, James asked. Almost out of nowhere, “When did you have sex last time?”

Ezekiel was a little taken aback by his question. He was embarrassed.

“I am drunk, not you. What are you even asking?” he asked, sounding embarrassed.

James asked again, “When did you last sleep with that woman?”

Ezekiel went silent after the question. How could he tell James that it had been half a year since he had been intimate with Rihanna? Whenever he tried to get close to her, she would just leave, giving excuses. His trust in her was so strong that he never questioned her. He always prioritized her wishes, but he never realized that he was no longer her priority.

“Unbelievable,” James scoffed after understanding the meaning behind Ezekiel’s silence.

Then he said—no, he didn’t say. He almost ordered, “Tonight, you will be joining me at the ‘Fallen Angels’ club. You will find so many beautiful and sexy girls there that you will forget about her.”

“You know that I don’t like sleeping with random girls,” Ezekiel told him directly.

Yes, he never liked sleeping with random girls. Without emotional attachment, he didn’t understand how people could just have sex. In his life, he had only slept with one person, and that was Rihanna.

“Can you just leave that gentleman’s mask behind?” James said, his voice low but insistent.

“Think about it. Those girls need money, and you need someone beside you—someone who will share your sorrow, who will do whatever you want. It’s a simple exchange. Don’t overcomplicate it. Trust me, dude… sometimes sex is the easiest way to numb a pain you don’t know how to carry.”

Ezekiel said nothing. The words hung in the air, but none of them found a place to land inside him.

Seeing his silence, James finally snapped, his voice rising. “You are going to the club with me. That’s final.”

And somehow, in that moment, Ezekiel didn’t argue. He just nodded. He didn’t even know if it was agreement or surrender.

All he knew was that Rihanna’s absence had become a constant ache—quiet, ruthless, unrelenting. And if forgetting her meant drowning himself in a different kind of noise, then tonight… he was willing to sink.