Chapter 160 To Divorce or Not

Chapter 160 To Divorce or Not

ARYA’S POV

It has been a week and I haven’t heard a word from Giovanni after the birthday party.

Every night since then I was tormented by our last conversation, mainly because of guilt and also because I regretted the words I spoke.

Giovanni was trying his best to reconcile but all I did was throw it back in his face.

I wish we had the opportunity to talk again. I would take back some of the words I spoke.

“Cara,” Dad's voice interrupted and I looked up from the desk, “are you good?”

I forced a smile on my face and nodded. “What is it?”

He cleared his throat and walked further into the room. “Giovanni called earlier this morning.”

Before I could help it, my heart leapt for joy and I scrambled to my feet. I immediately realized how embarrassing my excitement was but Dad didn't seem to mind.

“What… why did he call?” I asked, pretending to be disinterested.

My dad’s facial expression made me pause. "Giovanni has filed for divorce."

The room tilted. "What?"

Dad had a gruff look on his face. "He thought it would be easier this way. You could start fresh-”

“Why?” I scoffed, shaking my head while I felt anger building up. “Why on earth would he do that? If he wanted a divorce, why didn't he talk to me!”

He shook his head. "Sweetheart, that's not-"

"I'm not going to agree to it!” I yanked open the door. "If he wants a divorce, he should fucking speak to his own wife!"

I stormed out, ignoring Papa calling after me. I found Mama in the nursery with the nanny and my son was sleeping peacefully in his crib.

"Mom, did you know?" I demanded. "About the divorce?"

Her expression answered before her words did. "Yes."

"And you didn't think to tell me?" I snapped.

She cleared her throat. "We wanted to wait for the right moment."

"There is no right moment for finding out your husband is divorcing you without your knowledge!"

I was pacing now, my hands clenched. "How could Giovanni do this? How could he just decide, without even asking what I wanted?"

Mom nodded to the nanny, who quietly left the room, closing the door behind her.

"There's a letter," Mama said softly. "Giovanni left it for you. He wanted to explain himself."

She pulled an envelope from the drawer of the changing table and handed it to me. My hands shook as I opened it and unfolded the pages inside.

“Dear Arya,

By the time you read this, your father will have told you about the divorce. I know you're angry but please, let me explain.

I don't want to divorce you because I don't love you. I want to divorce you because I do.

Everything that happened was forced and you never had a choice. You were married to a man who then accused you of terrible things and treated you even worse.

You deserve better than that and the divorce gives you back your freedom.

When I asked you for your forgiveness during Dante's birthday, I had hoped there would be a chance for us. But I guess you still can't find it in your heart to forgive me.

I'm sorry for everything I put you through. I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough to believe you when it mattered.

But no matter what, I will always be here for Dante. He deserves a father who shows up and puts his needs first. I promise to be that father.

And I will always love you, even if from a distance.

Giovanni.”

The letter blurred as tears filled my eyes.

My legs gave out and I sank to the floor, the letter clutched in my hands, sobs tearing out of me.

This was my fault. I had pushed him away, but it was what I wanted… wasn't it?

But all I felt was a gaping hole in my chest.

My mom was there immediately, pulling me against her chest. "Shh, sweetheart. It's alright."

"It's not alright," I choked out. "Nothing is alright."

"Do you still love him?" She asked softly, stroking my hair. "Giovanni?"

I didn't want to admit the truth that yes, despite everything, I still loved him.

"It's okay if you do," she continued. "And it's okay if you don't. Whatever you feel, it's valid."

I just cried harder while she held me.

Two days later, I was sitting on the floor of Christabel's room, playing some complicated card game she invented.

“No, you can't use that card yet!" Christabel laughed, snatching it from my hand. "You have to wait until-"

A knock interrupted her. The door opened, and Giovanni walked in, holding a bouquet of white roses.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," he said quietly. "But can I have a moment alone with Arya?

"Of course!" Christabel jumped up. "I'll go check on Dante. He's probably awake from his nap."

She practically skipped out, leaving us alone and awkward silence filled the room.

"I brought these for you," Giovanni said, holding out the roses. "I remembered you like white roses.”

I didn't take the bouquet. My glare was fixed on him.

“What are you doing here?” I snapped, feeling another wave of anger boiling in my chest.

"I wanted to tell you in person," Giovanni finally said. "I wanted to tell you-

"About the divorce," I interrupted, unable to hold it in any longer. "Are you here to say goodbye in person?”

The smile dropped from his face. "Arya, no-"

"It's fine." I was talking too fast now. “I understand. After everything that happened, why would you want someone who's broken and damaged.”

"Stop." Giovanni crossed the room in three strides and dropped to his knees in front of me. "Stop right now. That's not why at all."

I stared down at him, my heart hammering.

"I want the divorce because you deserve a choice," he said. "You read my letter. I don’t want to see you miserable again.”

My legs were turning to jelly, I couldn’t do this anymore. I should be angry at him but I couldn’t.

I spent two days reading that letter over and over again.

"I love you so much it terrifies me.” His continued. “And I don't want to live without you. But I need it to be your choice.”

He gripped my hand tighter. "But if you want to try again, I promise I will cherish you. And I will never, ever let anyone hurt you again."

I stared at him and scoffed, shaking my head. "You're an idiot," I finally said.

“I agree.” He said and I huffed.

I glared at him. "Next time you want to make a grand gesture, maybe ask me first what I actually want.”

Releasing a gruff sigh, I added. “Because this whole 'noble sacrifice' thing? It doesn't suit you."

His eyes widened. "Does that mean-"

I leaned down and kissed him. When I pulled back, Giovanni was staring at me with wonder.

"I'm still angry at you," I said. "For so many things and I'm going to need time. But I don't want a divorce."

I touched his face, feeling the scratch of stubble under my fingers.

He pulled me down to him, kissing me again and when we finally broke apart, he was smiling. "So, no divorce?"

"No divorce," I confirmed. "But you're still an idiot."

He grinned. "Your idiot?"

"Unfortunately." I said with an eye roll and he burst out laughing.