The roar of an engine cut through the night before screeching to a sudden halt in front of a grand house with classic stone walls. The glow of the streetlights reflected off the tall glass windows, casting shimmering shadows across the neatly arranged trees and flowers.
A bodyguard hurried forward to open the car door, his movements sharp yet respectful. From within, a tall man stepped out, his frame straight and imposing in a tailored suit, his gaze cold, his face unyielding—Armon.
His footsteps echoed across the marble floor as he entered the house, each step a reminder of who truly held power there. In the living room, Yurita was already seated on the upholstered sofa, dressed simply in a plain gown, her fingers gently massaging her temple, her expression weary.
Armon stopped a few paces away, his eyes fixed on her. The air between them was heavy, as though the grand house carried secrets darker than its glittering glass and stone walls.
He tightened his grip on his phone, his chest constricting. Positive… she was pregnant.
For the first time, the world he thought was always in his grasp felt fragile.
"Yurita…" his voice was low, almost trembling. "Are you serious? You still want a divorce in this condition?"
Yurita met his gaze without faltering. "It's exactly because of this condition that I have to. I don't want my child to be born into a marriage built on lies."
Armon stepped closer, his expression pleading. "Don't say that. We can fix this. For the baby's sake, for us—"
"Us?" Yurita cut him off sharply. "That word died between us a long time ago, Mon. Stop pretending."
Silence fell. Only the ticking of the wall clock filled the space.
Armon rubbed his face harshly. "You don't understand, Yurita… I can't just let you go. Not now, not when you—"
He stopped himself, holding back the words about the law forbidding divorce during pregnancy.
Yurita's gaze grew sharper. "It's always like this, isn't it? You cheat, and I'm the one who has to understand. You betray me, and I'm the one who has to look away. How much longer, Mon?"
"No! This time it's different," Armon's voice rose. "I'll change. I swear. Just believe me—"
"Swear?" Yurita let out a bitter laugh. "I've had enough of your empty promises. These past five years, my life has been nothing but promises. Promises of loyalty, promises of change, promises you'd do anything for me. And what did I get? One mistress after another. Sandrina was only the last in a long line of your lies."
Armon froze, his face taut, her words hitting like a slap.
Yurita drew a deep breath, holding back the tears threatening to fall. "I don't have any heart left for you, Mon. All that remains is disgust. But…" her voice faltered for a second before steadying again, "I won't let my child be born without protection."
Armon looked at her, his lips trembling to deny, to convince her otherwise. But no words could pierce the wall of ice she had built.
At last, Yurita spoke again—softly, yet with a finality that echoed like a verdict.
"Fine. We'll delay the divorce until after I give birth. But promise me, Mon… when that time comes, you will accept whatever decision I make. Even if I still choose to leave you. You won't stop me again."
Armon choked on his breath, his chest tightening as though crushed by an invisible hand.
The word "leave" carved deeper than any wound he had ever felt.
Armon looked at Yurita, his face tense and worn, and with a low, pleading voice he tried once more.
"Yurita… please, think about it again. Grandpa cares for you so deeply. My parents too—you know that, don't you? They've treated you like their own daughter, even more than just a daughter-in-law."
Yurita's cold gaze did not waver.
"Armon, don't bring your grandfather or your parents into this. They are good people, and I respect them… but they have nothing to do with us."
Armon stepped closer, his tone carrying weight.
"How can you say it has nothing to do with us? They believe in our marriage, they're proud of you. Grandpa always says you're the daughter-in-law he's most grateful for. If you leave me… you're leaving them too."
Yurita closed her eyes, her chest rising and falling. His words pierced her, because they were true: Armon's grandfather had often treated her with such affection, as though she were his own granddaughter. His parents too—always welcoming her warmly, even while their son was breaking her heart.
But when she opened her eyes again, her gaze was ice.
"Mon, don't be manipulative. Don't use my respect for your family to chain me here. I will always honor them, and I'll always pray for them. But I won't keep lying to myself just to look happy in front of others."
Armon was struck silent. He was used to commanding boardrooms, bending rivals with logic and authority. But before Yurita's coldness, his power as CEO meant nothing.
Silence swallowed the room. The only sound left was their heavy breathing.
At last, Yurita stepped back, ending the conversation with a voice soft but resolute:
"Mon… I will always respect your family. But don't force me to stay because of them. If there's any reason for me to endure, it's only for this child. And once the baby is born… I'll be free."
Armon stood frozen, his body rigid, his face pale. For the first time in his life, a woman rejected not only his authority and power—but even the shield of family ties he had always relied on.
After the intense conversation between Yurita and Armon, the room fell into silence. Yurita was about to stand up to leave, but her steps halted. The door slowly creaked open, and a soft yet firm voice was heard.
"Armon… is what Mother just heard true?"
Yurita froze in place, while Armon's face instantly turned pale.
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