"Ethan, Clara was right—I can cast spells."


Ignoring his reaction, I sat down, reaching toward him, continuing,"From the moment you touched the divorce papers, I cast a spell on you."
A tiny creature crawled from him to my fingertip.
I studied it and stroked its back. "This is the spell that made you sign without thinking. I could dictate your every move, even force you to divorce me."
"Ethan, here's no future for us."
I looked up, meeting his gaze.
"It's fine," Ethan said, staring deeply, then lowering his head. "If it's you, I'm willing."

"I thought a lot on the way here. Nothing hurts more than losing you."
"Anna, if we truly love each other, there's still hope."
His warm hand gripped mine. "Let's not end things like this. I know my mistakes. I'll make it up to you."
"Anna, come home, will you? I swear I'll do better."

His earnest plea hung in the air. I withdrew my hand.
Ethan sensed it, grabbing it back. "I know you hate Clara, but trust me, I feel nothing for her."
"She framed you, hurt you—I'll make her pay!"
"Ethan, can a broken mirror be fixed?"
He froze, lips parting, but no words came.
Before leaving, he called, "A broken mirror can't be fixed, but it can shine anew."
"Anna, I'll show you I'm serious."
7(Continued)
The next day, I saw a familiar face in my yard.
Clara.
Unlike her polished past, she was a mess—hair wild, laughing maniacally, then snarling.
I knew instantly—she'd been hit with a madness spell.
"Anna, I said she'd pay."
Ethan appeared behind me, like a kid seeking praise. "She's a lunatic now she can't hurt you anymore. Happy?"
I frowned, sighing."Ethan,why bother?"
"This is no different from killing her."
Ethan's smile faded. "It's different. Death's too easy. She deserves lifelong pain!"
"But this changes nothing for us."
I pressed my lips and spoke plainly. "Ethan, I don't love you anymore. Clara's fate is her own doing. I'm done with you—please go."
Ethan acted deaf, turning to me."Have you eaten? Let me make you something."
I blocked him, frowning."Didn't you hear that? I don't love you. Go!"
Sadness flickered in his eyes. "Am I not good enough? Anna, wait—I know you still love me."
"Ethan, love can't be forced."
I stared. "The moment our child died, we ended."
"Clara's punishment clears our slate. Leave, and never come back."
Ethan stood silent, then left with Clara.
I thought he'd finally understood.
But months later, he showed up again, belly swollen.
Head bowed, he gently guided my hand to his swollen belly. "Anna, look—we have a child."
Seeing his smile, I gaped. "You...how are you pregnant?"