Chapter 3

Rebecca looked terrified.

I looked at her and said calmly,

“Are you having a drink?”

She nodded.

Then she stood.

“I should go.”

I gently caught her wrist.

“Why?”

She stared at me.

“You just got here. Sit down and have another drink with me.”

Her face turned red.

Daniel looked like he wanted the floor to swallow him.

I didn’t insult her.

I didn’t scream.

I didn’t throw a glass.

I simply sat there.

Because suddenly I realized something.

Daniel had spent years destroying my trust.

I didn’t need to destroy myself in response.

Rebecca eventually left.

Daniel remained silent.

As we sat alone, he finally whispered,

“Why didn’t you make a scene?”

I looked at him.

“Because I don’t want strangers remembering my husband’s humiliation.”

He stared at me.

I continued.

“Even after everything you’ve done, I won’t become someone I don’t recognize.”

He lowered his eyes.

That was the first time in years I saw shame on his face.

I left before he could say anything else.

I thought that was the end.

It wasn’t.

Because a few weeks later, Daniel started calling me.

Not to argue.

Not to accuse me.

To ask how my day had been.

At first, I ignored him.

Then I noticed something strange.

He had started working.

Seriously.