UNDER THE ASHES

Thrown Out

"Ethan, you can't just walk away," Sophia’s sharp voice echoed behind him, making him pause mid-step. His hand tightened on the door handle as he turned slowly, locking eyes with her.

"Why not?" Ethan asked, his voice low and controlled, though a tremor betrayed his attempt at composure.

Sophia smirked, stepping forward with Lucas close behind. “We’re not done yet,” she said, holding up his keys—the ones to their shared home. “You won’t be needing these anymore.”

Ethan’s jaw clenched. "You're throwing me out? Just like that?"

“You’re lucky I let you stay as long as you did,” Sophia replied with a condescending tone. “But it’s time for you to go. Lucas and I need the space.”

Lucas, standing smugly next to her, shrugged with faux sympathy. “It’s for the best, really. Sophia and I have plans.”

The pit in Ethan’s stomach grew heavier. The casual cruelty of their words stung more than the act itself. His entire life was being dismissed as if it were nothing.

"You can't just erase everything," Ethan muttered, his voice breaking despite himself. "This is my life—our life."

Sophia’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she tossed the keys onto the table with a clink. “I think you’ll find I can,” she said coldly. “And I have.”

Ethan stepped closer, his fists clenched at his sides. “This isn’t over,” he whispered.

Sophia’s gaze didn’t waver. “Oh, but it is,” she responded softly, her tone final. “Now get out.”

The words hit him like a physical blow. Ethan stood frozen, disbelief washing over him. How had it come to this? How had he been reduced to a stranger in his own life?

“I’m not leaving,” Ethan said, his voice stronger now, though his heart raced beneath the surface. “Not like this.”

Lucas interjected with a laugh, stepping between them. “You don’t have a choice, man. This isn’t your home anymore. You’re not wanted.”

Ethan’s mind raced for something to fight back with—anything to stop this spiral. But he had nothing. They had planned everything meticulously, leaving him with no leverage.

“The papers are signed,” Sophia continued, her voice cool and detached. “The house, the assets… they’re mine now.”

The room seemed to close in on Ethan. Glancing around, he saw the onlookers—people who had witnessed his life unraveling, their pitying gazes only deepening the humiliation.

“I won’t beg,” Ethan said, voice barely above a whisper, though inside, he felt like crumbling.

“Good,” Sophia replied. “I wouldn’t want you to embarrass yourself more than you already have.”

Lucas reached out, gripping Ethan’s shoulder. “Come on. Don’t make this harder than it needs to be. Just walk away.”

For a brief moment, Ethan considered fighting—lashing out and pushing past the pain. But as he looked into Sophia’s eyes, he saw no remorse. No love. Only satisfaction in her victory. She had waited for the perfect moment to strike, to tear his life apart, and now, there was nothing left to hold on to.

Ethan swallowed hard and shrugged off Lucas's hand. “I’ll go,” he muttered, his voice hollow. “But this isn’t over.”

Sophia’s smile widened. “It’s already over, Ethan. You just haven’t realized it yet.”

The door felt heavier than it should as he opened it. The cool night air hit his face, clearing his mind for a moment. He stepped outside, the laughter and music from the party muffled as the door clicked shut behind him.

He stood there, staring at the street in front of him. His mind was numb, his heart racing from the shock. This was it. He had nothing now—no home, no family, no future. Everything he had built was gone.

As he walked down the stone path, each step heavier than the last, one question echoed in his mind over and over.

What do I do now that I’ve been thrown away?

The rain began to fall, cold and relentless, soaking through his clothes. Ethan barely noticed. His world was crumbling, and the storm outside mirrored the turmoil within him.

Suddenly, a voice broke through the haze. “You don’t belong here anymore.”

Ethan turned to find Lucas standing in the doorway, his expression hard and unforgiving. Before Ethan could respond, Lucas stepped forward, grabbing him by the collar.

“You’re pathetic,” Lucas growled. “Thinking you could just walk back in here like nothing happened? Like you still have a place here?”

Ethan winced as Lucas’s grip tightened. He was powerless. All the strength he had left was drained away.

“Sophia, the house, everything—it’s mine now,” Lucas sneered, shoving him toward the steps.

Ethan stumbled, his foot slipping on the wet stone as Lucas forced him out into the rain. The cold night air hit his skin like a slap.

Lucas stood over him, triumphant. “You’re out, Ethan. Deal with it.”

The door slammed shut, leaving Ethan alone in the storm. He lay there for a moment, gasping for breath as the rain continued to pour down. His clothes were drenched, his body aching from the fall, but it was the emptiness inside that hurt the most.

He pushed himself to his feet, his hands shaking as he stared up at the house that was no longer his. Inside, Lucas and Sophia were probably celebrating their victory, warm and safe while he stood in the cold, abandoned.

Ethan’s throat tightened as he clenched his fists. How had everything fallen apart so quickly? He had been a part of this life—this family—and now he was nothing more than a discarded memory.

The rain continued to pound down, soaking him to the bone. Yet, he remained rooted to the spot, staring at the mansion that had once been his home. There was nothing left for him here. No one cared. Not Sophia. Not Lucas. No one.

As his mind spun, his phone buzzed in his pocket. Fumbling, he pulled it out, his heart skipping a beat as he read the message.

Unknown number:

Where are you ?. Just got your number.

Ethan’s blood ran cold. He looked around, panic surging in his chest. Was this some kind of threat? What did it mean?

Another message followed.

Unknown number:

You don’t have much time.

Fear gripped him. Whoever sent these messages knew something—something that could put him in danger. Ethan’s heart pounded as he realized he couldn’t stay there any longer.

But where could he go? Who could he trust?

He scrolled through his contacts, his finger trembling over the call button for Victor, his old friend. But would Victor even answer? After everything, was there anyone who still cared?

Suddenly, the storm seemed darker, the shadows creeping in around him. Ethan knew one thing: whatever was coming, it had only just begun.

He dialed Victor’s number, holding his breath as the phone rang once… twice…

Would anyone answer?