The Wife He Never Saw

I secretly loved Ethan for ten years. For five years, I was his substitute wife.

In that fire, I lost hearing in my left ear and covered my back with scars to save his life.

But he believed Cherry saved him. He said I stole someone else's credit. He said I disgusted him.

Then he brought her to our bed. Told me to buy the condoms.

Inside the bedroom, Ethan's stifled, wild groans mixed with Cherry's shaking moans.

Outside, I clutched the condoms, my knuckles white, the wounds on my back reopening.

Can't I just give up?