The silence of the large living room was heavy, punctuated only by Jessica's soft footsteps as she paced. The clock on the wall ticked steadily past 11 PM, a constant reminder of the hour, and of Dylan's prolonged absence. For two nights, he hadn't returned home, and a cold knot of anxiety tightened in her stomach. Her children, Caleb and Nina, slept soundly in their rooms, oblivious to the growing unease that permeated their once happy home.

A car engine rumbled, then a familiar set of headlights swept across the windows. Jessica's heart leaped with a mix of relief and trepidation. He was home. She hurried to the front door, peeking out to confirm. It was him. She retreated, composing herself, a hopeful greeting ready on her lips.

Dylan entered, his presence immediately chilling the air. He didn't offer a smile, didn't meet her eyes. Instead, he strode towards her, a stark white paper clutched in his hand. Her hopeful greeting died on her tongue as he shoved the document into her hands, his voice devoid of warmth.

"I cannot continue to pretend with you anymore, Jessica," he stated, his words like a physical blow. "You read through this divorce paper, sign it as you pack your things tomorrow and return back to your father's house."