The rain poured heavily outside, casting a gloomy mist over the luxurious mansion as Marie looked through the window once more to see if she could catch a glimpse of her husband driving in the compound, but there was no sign of him yet.

She slowly dragged herself back to the large king-size bed and sat at the edge, her eyes fixed on the window as the raindrops slid down the pane like tears. The room was dimly lit, with only a single candle flickering on the nightstand, casting eerie shadows on the walls. Marie's hands were clasped together in her lap, her fingers nervously entwined as she waited for the sound of the door opening, signaling her husband's return.

She couldn't define what she truly felt. It wasn't excitement she was feeling, as for the past three years, her marriage to Max had been nothing but a nightmare. He had treated her as nothing more than trash, but still, she wanted him back home.

Wondering why he hadn't returned home at that late hour, she speculated if he was with Lena. They were probably in a room getting intimate.

She felt her heart starting to ache and quickly shrugged off the thoughts.

She was about to retire to bed when her eyes met a small shiny package on the dressing table that looked like a jewelry box.

Out of curiosity, she reached for it and opened it. Sitting in the little jewelry box was a diamond ring.

Marie's eyes widened as she gazed at the ring in wonder, her heart racing with excitement. Had Max gotten this for her? Was he finally coming back to his senses?

Without hesitation, she tried on the ring, slipping it onto her finger with a gentle click. The diamond sparkled against her skin, casting tiny rainbows of light around the room. Marie couldn't help but gasp in delight, feeling like a princess in a fairy tale. The ring fit perfectly, as if it had been made for her alone. She twirled her finger, watching as the diamond flashed and shimmered, its beauty taking her breath away.

Just then the door opened.

"What are you doing?!" Max's voice echoed through the room, his piercing green eyes fixed on Marie with a mixture of irritation and anger.

Marie fidgeted, feeling her heart racing.

“Honey… you're back,” she stuttered, trying to shift his attention. 

“I just asked you a question,” Max ignored as he dashed towards her in anger. 

“I was just... I was just admiring it,” Marie stuttered again, her heart racing seriously.

There he goes again... was she ever going to get her Max back?

“And who said you could touch it!” Max roared as he dragged the ring and box from her grasp. “I got this ring for Lena; it must be clean and flawless. A dirty woman like you touching it makes me sick!”

Marie's heart sank as she stared back at him. Tears welled in her eyes, and she slowly wiped them off. The pain of the betrayal was a physical ache in her chest. 'A dirty woman like you...' his voice echoed in her mind, the words cutting deep like a knife.

“But why do you treat me like this, Max? I am your wife, just why?!” She let the words off her mind.

Max scoffed. “Did you just say wife?? How did you get into the position of being my wife? Do you need me to remind you?! I will never forget your face, you poisonous woman!”

“Max, please, I don't deserve this…”

“Don’t act pitiful in front of me!” Max spat, the words piercing Marie’s heart like daggers. “Your presence alone sickens me.” He angrily flung the ring onto the bed. “Get this through your head: you mean nothing to me.”

Marie’s eyes widened, the tears threatening to spill. “Max please, listen to me,” she choked out, her voice trembling. “I…”

Not wanting to hear any more of her words, Max dashed angrily towards Marie and dragged her outside the house, pushing her into the rain angrily.

“Since you don't understand what I said, you will kneel here and reflect on yourself,” he said without an ounce of emotion.

Marie could feel her heart shattering into a million pieces. What was he talking about? She had explained several times about the incident. She was really innocent.

“Is this about that incident? Max, it wasn't me who did it, I've told you before,” she said without pause. “Why don't you believe me? It was Lena, she…”

“Shut up, you disgusting woman!” Max cut in. “Do you even have the right to call Lena’s name?!” He paused, swallowing hard. “You really should feel lucky I'm only letting you kneel here. Even if you died a hundred times, it wouldn't be enough for all the things you've done to Lena over the years.”

Marie bristled with anger and pain, feeling the injustice of the accusation scorch her skin.

“I haven't done anything to harm her, Max, why don't you believe me?” Marie said amidst tears, feeling her heart heavy in her chest..it felt so heavy like it was going to burst out. 

“Shut up! You witch!” Max roared. “If it wasn't for you, would Lena have had that accident?!... It's been four years and you still show no remorse!”

“Max…”

“You kneel right there! When I calm down a little, only then can you stand up!” Max said, clenching his jaw as he turned to leave.

“Max, please!” Marie cried as the rain kept pouring on her, the pain all-consuming, leaving no room for anything else.