CHAPTER 21

Lucas’ POV The next day, as I returned home after my birthday, I walked into the kitchen and found Zara standing there, wearing an expressionless face that sent shivers down my spine. It was a terrifying sight, to say the least.             “H-Hi,” I stammered, immediately regretting the lameness of my greeting.             But she remained silent, treating me like an invisible entity, as if I were nothing more than air. It hurt deeply, leaving me with a lingering sense of guilt.             Why did I still feel responsible for everything? Weren't they happier without me yesterday? Why did Zara make me feel like the villain once again? I desperately wanted to understand her, to decode the meaning behind her blank facade.             “Divorce papers?” I turned to her, my voice devoid of emotion.             There was a time when I was the one excited about the prospect of breaking free from our marriage. I longed to be liberated, but in that moment, I was afraid that she would mention t