leo finds the truth

Ariana exhaled sharply, irritation clear in her voice. "What now? What do you want from me?"

His eyes flashed dangerously. "Get in the car."

She followed his gaze and saw his car parked at the curb. With another frustrated sigh, she walked beside him, knowing from experience that when he reached this level of anger, the best course of action was to go along with him.

Leonardo drove in silence, his hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly that his knuckles turned white. Though his expression remained cold, she could feel his fury radiating off him. He didn't stop until they reached a quiet, deserted road in the middle of nowhere.

Ariana swallowed nervously, her thoughts spiraling. Is he going to kill me? Bury me here?

Summoning her courage, she broke the silence. "What do you want from me?" she knew it was up to her to start the conversation.

His reply came, his tone low and dangerous. "Do you have any idea who frequents that restaurant? Half the people there know me. Did you even think about what it looked like?"

She scoffed, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Oh, really? And what about you? Do you think no one ever sees you dining with Hannah—or any of your other women?"

His expression darkened. "Don't compare yourself to—"

She cut him off sharply. "Don't you dare finish that sentence. I'm free to make my own decisions, just like you. Or have you forgotten? You already asked for a divorce. You even sent your lover to my house to tell me, in the most condescending way possible, that my duty as your wife was over."

Leonardo hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. "I never told her to do that. I was just as surprised as you were."

Ariana let out a bitter laugh. "How thoughtful of her—to take care of the dirty work on behalf of her beloved."

His jaw clenched. "Ariana, watch your tone."

Her patience snapped. She had been holding herself together for too long, enduring too much.

"No, you watch your tone. I've respected you more than you ever deserved. And now what? You're threatening me? What are you going to do—cut off my allowance?" She let out a mocking laugh. "News flash: I haven't touched your filthy money in two months, and I never will again. I don't need you anymore."

Leonardo's eyes burned with rage. "Oh? So your lover is paying for you now, is that it?"

Ariana smirked, victory gleaming in her eyes. "Hate to break it to you, but Liam isn't rich. He's an employee. In fact, he works with me in the same company."

Leonardo froze. "You… You're working? In a company?"

She folded her arms. "Yes. I have a full-time job. I'm finally free from your control, darling."

His shock deepened. "Since when?"

"Two months."

"Two months? How did I not—"

She laughed coldly. "How did you not know? Because you never cared. You never cared if I was sick, if I was dead. The only thing that ever mattered to you was parading me around like a trophy, dressing me up to impress your associates."

Leonardo's lips parted, as if he wanted to argue, but she didn't give him the chance.

"Since we're being honest now, let me tell you something—I never enjoyed any of it. Not your money, not your parties, not the perfect little life you built for us. I bought what you liked, wore what you wanted, so everyone could admire how flawless Leonardo's wife looked."

Her words cut deep, but she wasn't finished.

"And one more thing. I never enjoyed being with you. Not once. Your parties, your so-called friends—they're all liars, part of a fake, shallow world I despise. But more than anything, I despise you. I hate you, Leonardo, more than I've ever hated anyone in my life."

Ariana's patience had completely run out. She snapped, her voice trembling with rage.

"Go back to your mistresses—the ones you chase after like a dog. Those women who throw themselves at you, willing to sell their bodies just to gain your approval."

She sucked in a sharp breath, the bitter memory burning in her chest. "How dare you belittle me in front of that whore? What did I ever do to you, Leonardo? I always respected you!"

Leonardo's face paled instantly.

Ariana let out a harsh laugh, her eyes flashing with fury. "Oh, yes, I heard her—your little mistress, Serene, bragging to her friend about how you mock me behind my back. How you call me a gold digger. And not just that—you even gave her the honor of picking out jewelry for me. How generous of you!"

She placed a hand on her chest, her voice thick with emotion. "At least I never sold my body to anyone, no matter how poor or desperate I was. Even Hannah told me she gave herself to you before you got engaged. I am better than every woman who has ever been in your life. Remember that."

She exhaled, her entire body feeling drained. Then, with a quiet voice filled with exhaustion, she admitted, "I'm tired, Leonardo. So tired. My only crime was using you as a way to escape my poverty. I didn't realize what it would cost me."

Leonardo looked at her, stunned. "What… What are you saying?"

Her answer was cold and final. "I called my lawyer this morning. He's expediting the divorce process. And I will no longer live in your house. I'm going to stay with my aunt."

Without giving him a chance to respond, she opened the car door and stepped out, walking to the side of the road.

Leonardo immediately followed, his voice softer but still firm. "Ariana, get back in the car. I'll take you home."

But she ignored him.

And then, as if fate had finally given her an escape, a taxi appeared in the distance. She flagged it down, climbed inside without hesitation, and didn't spare him a single glance as the car drove away.