My Mother's Ring Paid for His Mistress

After five years with Ethan Crawford, I couldn't even afford rent.

I pawned the ring my mom left me for five hundred dollars.

Later, I found out it was for Vivian Winters' fourth "heart surgery."

Over five years, our anniversary was canceled four times.

When I had a fever of 103 degrees and went to the ER, he said on the phone that Vivian was getting a follow-up exam and he couldn't leave.

My friends all said Ethan was a good guy, loyal and devoted, and told me not to be petty.

I believed them. I even felt ashamed of my occasional jealousy.