Chapter 2 While waiting for Crystal's birthday party to end , Aria had already made up her mind . [] Unlike past moments of impulsiveness or anger , this time , she was truly determined to leave . In the span of five years of marriage , every memory replayed through her mind like a movie reel . ] ] She couldn't even count how many times Mason had prioritized Crystal's feelings over hers . She had had enough of being the last person in his life , while Crystal was always his top priority . ] If someone keeps treating you in a way you hate , it's only because you allow it . ] She'd let it go so many times before . But this time , Mason had crossed her final line . [ ] If even their once - a - year anniversary had to make way for Crystal's annual birthday party- Then maybe this marriage wasn't worth keeping at all . ] Mason stared at her , stunned . The seriousness in her expression made him sober instantly . ] He pulled her onto his lap and coaxed her gently : ] " Bringing up divorce again ? Don't say that every time you're upset , okay ? Sweetheart , I know I was wrong for not spending our anniversary with you . I'll make it up to you tomorrow . " Aria's eyes were void of emotion . " No need . Not every occasion can be made up for . Mason pressed her down onto the sofa , kissing her face softly as he murmured : " It's fine . There's always next year . " ]] Aria stared blankly at the ceiling , and for some reason , fat tears rolled silently down her cheeks . She was like a lifeless bell , making no sound . No matter how Mason touched or coaxed her , she gave no response . In the past , no matter how angry she was , he could always fix it just by pulling her close , kissing her , seducing her , playing those little physical games ... It always worked . [ ] But not this time . She didn't respond with pleasure , nor did she resist like before . As he kissed her . Mason started to feel like he was kissing a block of wood . ] He stopped , stunned , and looked up , only to see a single teardrop hanging on the corner of her eye , trembling but not yet falling Damn ... ] His brows knitted instinctively . Flustered , he leaned down to kiss away her tear , his voice shaky : ] " I'm sorry ... why are you crying , baby ? " Then he suddenly seemed to remember something . He hurriedly turned on the light . "That's right . You looked a bit off when you got home carlier . Did something happen out there ? " ] He finally remembered Aria's heart twisted , as if something had tugged it sharply . The tears she had held back suddenly burst forth . In the warm light , Mason examined her inch by inch - her face , her arms , her body , her feet . [ ] He finally noticed the swelling on her cheek , the scratches across her arms and legs , and a large gash on her right thigh . The dried blood around it clearly showed it had been cut by something sharp His pupils contracted . " What happened ? " Aria opened her mouth to speak , but just then , Mason's phone rang . She glanced at the screen and saw the name " Baby Crystal . " The sight of it stabbed her eyes . Mason picked up the call right in front of her . " Crystal , what's wrong ? " " Brother , I think I ate something bad . My stomach really hurts . Can you take me to the hospital ? " Crystal's whiny voice floated through the speaker . [ ] Mason instinctively began to say " Sure , " but caught himself . He quickly looked down at Arial ] Her red - rimmed eyes made his heart ache . He changed his answer : ] " It's kind of late . Your sister - in - law and I have already gone to bed . Ask my mom if there's any medicine at home . " ] ] From the other end came Natalie's loud voice : ] " Mason , come quick ! This isn't just a stomachache . Crystal might have appendicitis . Her face is completely palet " ] Mason's brows furrowed deeply . " Got it . I'm coming Aria's heart sank like a stone into the depths of a lake . She turned her face away , not wanting to make eye contact with him anymore . [ ] Mason quickly got dressed , hesitated at the door for a few seconds , then turned back and held her hand . [ ] " You're hurt too . Let me take you to the hospital with me . " ] The word " too " was like a small , sharp blade carving into her chest . Her tears had already dried . She chuckled lightly . " No need . Go ahead . I won't be the extra baggage . " Mason choked on her words . [ ] He knew leaving her like this wasn't right , but the phone kept ringing , almost like a death knell . [ ] In the end , he let out a long sigh and left . ] Just before walking out , he took a secondary credit card from his wallet and handed it to her .] " Here , honey . Swipe it as much as you want . Consider it my apology . " Bang- The door slammed shut . Aria stared at the sleek black card in her hand and let out another bitter laugh. Mason only had two methods to pacify her , sex or money . And to be fair , they used to work . But not anymore . She got up , opened a suitcase she had brought with her when she married into the Jensen family , and pulled out a document . It was the prenuptial agreement she had made Mason sign the night before their marriage . Back then , the entire Jensen family had opposed their marriage , but Mason had insisted on marrying her . Aria had been afraid she would be walking on eggshells in this relationship , so she'd had him sign the agreement : If at any point during the marriage she wanted a divorce , he would agree unconditionally . She had thought she'd never need it and even Mason had long forgotten it . ] But she hadn't forgotten . Once , after a big fight , she had secretly consulted a lawyer with the agreement . The lawyer told her it was legally binding . She could take it to the court herself . As long as the one - month waiting period passed , the divorce would be processed without requiring Mason's consent . And now , it was time . She pressed the agreement to her chest , feeling her heartbeat steady for the first time in hours . Five years of bending . five years of breaking . No more .