Chapter Seven

The city streets are bathed in the soft glow of the evening lights as Sarah briskly walks away from the shattered remains of what she once considered a relationship. The distant hum of traffic seems to echo the turmoil within her. She can't endure another moment with Henry, a man whose financial troubles have left their mark on both his apartment and their connection.

Sarah, with her radiant beauty and curves that turn heads, feels a sense of superiority. She's convinced she could have any man she desires, and Henry's impoverished circumstances have become too much for her to bear. As she walks, her mind is already concocting a plan to liberate herself from the shackles of a relationship she deems unworthy of her allure.

The cityscape, with its towering buildings, reflects the towering ego within Sarah. Her steps are confident, and her eyes, adorned with a touch of disdain, survey the world around her. She feels entitled to a life of opulence, one that Henry, with his threadbare pockets, cannot provide.

Sarah's phone buzzes, disrupting her train of thought. It's a text from Henry, who is unaware of the storm that's brewing within Sarah's heart. He's apologizing for yet another missed date night, citing financial constraints. Sarah rolls her eyes, her patience wearing thin. The text only strengthens her resolve to execute her plan, a plan that will sever the ties that have bound her to a man she perceives as a burden.

As she continues walking, Sarah replays in her mind the countless times she has accommodated Henry's financial shortcomings. She recalls the embarrassment of having to pay for dinners, the frustration of canceled plans, and the weight of being the sole provider in their relationship. It's a burden she's no longer willing to carry, and she convinces herself that her decision is justified.

The plan takes shape as she walks past high-end boutiques, her reflection in their polished windows serving as a reminder of the beauty she possesses. Sarah decides that a public place, a restaurant perhaps, would be the ideal setting for what she envisions as the grand finale of her relationship with Henry. A place where she can make a scene, ensure that her departure is witnessed and felt.

She imagines the dramatic confrontation, the tearful apologies from Henry, and the sympathetic glances from onlookers. In her mind, this breakup isn't just an end to a relationship—it's a spectacle, a declaration of her independence and desirability. Sarah envisions herself standing tall, unburdened by the weight of a relationship that no longer serves her.

With each step, Sarah becomes more convinced of the righteousness of her decision. She doesn't see herself as heartless; she sees herself as a woman reclaiming her worth. The city lights, once a backdrop to their shared dreams, now illuminate the path to her newfound liberation.

As she reaches the entrance of her apartment building, Sarah's phone rings again. It's Henry, his voice tinged with weariness and genuine remorse. He promises to make it up to her, to find a way to improve their situation. But Sarah, now resolute in her plan, dismisses his words with a cold indifference.

The plan is set, the stage is chosen, and Sarah prepares herself for the final act. Little does Henry know, the woman he loves is orchestrating a grand finale, one that will shatter his heart and leave him alone in the ruins of what was once their shared life.

*********

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee hangs in the air as Sarah and Henry sit across from each other in a quaint little bistro. The ambiance, usually comforting, seems to foretell an impending storm. Sarah, impeccably dressed and exuding an air of detachment, fixes her gaze on the menu, her mind already miles away from the relationship she is about to sever.

Henry, nervously fidgeting with his napkin, attempts to engage in small talk, oblivious to the storm gathering within Sarah. "I heard they have amazing desserts here," he says, trying to lighten the mood.

A part of him can already imagine why Sarah would call him to a café for a casual drink the next morning after angrily walking away from his so-called wretched house. A tiny part of him could already guess that he cannot avoid the inevitable no matter how much he wanted things to be rosy for him. But Henry isn’t willing to believe that his relationship cannot be saved. He isn’t willing to believe that the only constant thing in his life that has been giving him joy cannot be sustained.

Sarah looks up from the menu, her eyes cold and distant. "Henry, we need to talk."

The words hang in the air, heavy with the weight of impending doom. Henry's eyes search hers, sensing something is amiss. "What's going on, Sarah? Is everything okay?"

Sarah sighs, as though burdened by his mere presence. "No, Henry, everything is not okay. I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I've come to a decision."

His face tenses, and he sets the menu aside, realizing the gravity of the moment. "What decision? What's happening?"

A false sympathy colors Sarah's voice as she continues, "Henry, I can't do this anymore. I can't be in a relationship where I have to carry all the burdens. I cannot be in a relationship where my man cannot even spoil me silly with money. I deserve that much. I mean, have you seen how beautiful I am, Henry? Your financial situation is dragging me down, and I've realized I deserve better."

His eyes widen, disbelief etched on his face. "Sarah, we've been through tough times before. I'm working on improving things. Can't we figure this out together?"

Sarah leans back in her chair, her expression unchanged. "Henry, I've given you enough chances. I've been patient, understanding, but it's clear to me now that you can't provide the life I deserve. I won't settle for less."

Tears well up in Henry's eyes. David’s words is finally becoming a reality. His worse fears are unfolding before him at the moment and there is nothing he can do about it.

His voice breaks as he pleads, "Sarah, please. I love you. I can change. I will work harder. We can work through this. Don't do this."

Sarah's gaze hardens, and a smirk plays on her lips. "Henry, love is not enough. And how harder can you work to make the money that will make me feel loved. I have waited enough to see that you cannot achieve something like that in your life. I need more than just words. I need someone who can give me the life I want. Someone successful, someone who can match my ambition."

Henry’s heart shatters, the realization of the impending breakup sinking in. "So, it's about money? You're leaving me because I'm not rich enough for you?"

Sarah scoffs, her disdain evident. "Don't make it sound so crude, Henry. It's about compatibility, about being with someone who can elevate my lifestyle. I can't stay with someone who drags me down."

The pain in Henry's eyes is palpable, but Sarah remains unmoved. She continues with her heartless monologue, "I've been thinking a lot about myself lately, and I've realized how beautiful and desirable I am. I can have any man I want. Why should I settle for a broke guy like you?"

His hands tremble, his voice barely a whisper. "You're really going to leave me because of money? After everything we've been through?"

Sarah leans in, her words dripping with condescension. "Henry, you're holding me back. I deserve a man who can provide for me, who can match my standards. What we have been through is hell. I can't waste any more time on someone like you."

As the conversation reaches its devastating conclusion, Sarah revels in the cruelty of her words, convinced that she is freeing herself from the chains of mediocrity.

Henry, defeated and broken, watches as the woman he once loved walks away, leaving behind a shattered heart and the remnants of a relationship that couldn't withstand the weight of Sarah's ruthless ambitions as he only has one thing to think about at the moment.

“What have I done to deserve this?”