The Billionaire's Doll Walks Away Forever

Elek rolled off her body. The heavy mattress shifted under his weight as he turned his back to her. His breathing was already slow and steady. He pulled the thick duvet over his shoulder, treating the last twenty minutes of physical exertion as nothing more than a routine task checked off his schedule.

Dayami stared at the ceiling. The massive crystal chandelier hung directly above the bed, catching the faint light from the city outside. She felt exactly like that chandelier. An expensive, cold decoration purchased to fill an empty space in this penthouse.

Her chest rose and fell, but she felt no urge to cry. Her tear ducts were completely dry. There was no humiliation left in her stomach, only a deep, bone-chilling exhaustion that settled into her joints.

She sat up. The cold air of the bedroom hit her bare skin, raising goosebumps along her arms. She moved slowly, her limbs feeling heavy and disconnected from her brain.

She reached the floor and picked up her silk robe. She slid her arms into the sleeves, tying the belt tightly around her waist in a mechanical motion.

"Stay in bed."

Elek's voice was low and raspy, thick with sleep. He did not turn around to look at her. It was a command, not a request.

Dayami ignored him. She walked away from the bed, her bare feet silent against the hardwood floor. She stopped in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows. The sleepless skyline of New York City stretched out below her, a sea of lights that offered no warmth.

Her reflection stared back at her from the thick glass. Her face was pale. Her eyes looked hollow. She did not recognize the woman in the window.

She took a slow breath, filling her lungs with the conditioned air.

"Elek, I want a divorce."

Her voice was incredibly calm. The words left her mouth without a single tremor.

The steady sound of Elek's breathing stopped. The mattress shifted violently. He sat up, the duvet falling to his waist. His broad chest and shoulders blocked out the light from the bedside lamp. His physical presence filled the room, heavy and suffocating.

He let out a short, harsh sound from the back of his throat. A scoff.

"Don't be ridiculous, Dayami."

He rubbed the back of his neck, his tone dripping with impatience.

"What is it this time? A new car? A charity gala you want to chair? Just tell my assistant tomorrow."

Dayami did not turn around. She kept her eyes on her own pale reflection.

"I am serious. I want out."

The silence in the room became thick. She heard the rustle of the sheets. Heavy footsteps crossed the floor.

Before she could brace herself, a large hand clamped down on her upper arm.

Elek spun her around. His grip was like a steel vise, his fingers digging into her skin through the thin silk of her robe.

"We have a contract." His voice was a low rumble in his