David was still sitting on the sofa when Elara returned from the balcony. His usually patient face now looked like stone.
"Erica?" David asked curtly.
Elara nodded, her hands still trembling holding the phone. "Yes. She... just wanted to check in."
David stood up, facing Elara completely. His usually relaxed posture was now tense. "That's enough, Elara."
"Sorry? What do you mean?"
"Your lies. Your act. All of it." David took a deep breath. "I'm not a fool. I've known something was wrong since that charity gala with Kael."
Elara felt her knees go weak. "David, I—"
"Wait," he cut her off. "Let me finish. I've given you time. I've given you space. But what you've been doing is pulling further away and putting on an increasingly obvious mask."
He stepped closer, his eyes full of restrained pain. "I love you, Elara. I've always loved you. But love shouldn't feel like this—like I have to guess what's in my own wife's heart."
"David, I can explain—"
"No," David said firmly. "I don't want more explanations. I want the truth. Now."
Elara looked at her husband. This was a David she had never seen before—not the caring, patient David, but a David who was tired and had reached his limit.
"There's... history between me and Kael," Elara began, her voice trembling.
"And?" David pressed. "I know you dated. What I'm waiting for is the part where you explain why your relationship is still ongoing now."
Elara was shocked. "No! We didn't—"
"Don't lie!" David shouted for the first time in their marriage. His voice echoed in the silent room. "I saw how you looked at him. I see how you change whenever his name is mentioned. I'm not blind, Elara!"
Tears began streaming down Elara's cheeks. Her defenses crumbled.
"We... we met a few times," Elara finally admitted. "But we decided to stop. For our families."
David laughed bitterly. "Stopped? Then why did Clara and their child move out? What an interesting coincidence."
He looked at Elara with a gaze that made her feel exposed. "This is my ultimatum, Elara. Choose. Today. Me or him."
"But—"
"No 'buts'," David interrupted. "If you choose me, then you must cut all contact with Kael. Completely. No accidental meetings, no secret messages, no cherished memories. You must commit fully to our marriage."
"And if... if I can't?" Elara asked in a small voice.
David sighed, his face showing deep disappointment. "Then you can leave now. Take your things and go find your happiness with Kael."
He walked to the table and picked up his car keys. "I'll be staying at a hotel tonight. Give me your decision tomorrow morning."
Before leaving, David turned one last time. "Oh, and please don't forget—Alisha is also part of this choice."
The door closed with a final sound. Elara collapsed to the floor, her body shaking with sobs. For the first time, David had given an ultimatum. And for the first time, Elara realized she could truly lose everything.