Chapter 2

Not long after Ethan walked out the door, I caught an update on Maya's Ins.

[My man loves me so much. The second he heard my power went out, he drove 20 miles across town just to be by my side.]

In the corner of the picture, a familiar men's wristwatch stung my eyes like acid.

It was the very last handmade timepiece my late father had crafted before he passed away.

Countless luxury collectors had offered insane amounts of money for it back then, but I never sold it. It was my absolute treasure.

On our wedding anniversary, I had fastened it around Ethan's wrist with my own hands.

I had told him that it represented the deepest trust I could ever give someone.

For three whole years, I wouldn't even let him bump it or expose it to water, guarding it with my life.

And now, the man wearing that watch was starring in Maya's intimate, suggestive photo.

Even though I was already completely numb to Ethan, my vision still blurred with unshed tears.

Just because Maya's power went out, he raced across town without a second thought.

Yet just one week ago, when our own fuse blew, I had called Ethan in the dark, asking for help.

He had brushed me off with an indifferent excuse about being too busy, telling me to just hire a handyman myself.

Turns out, he was busy keeping Maya company.

My thoughts drifted back to the first year of our marriage.

Ethan had been away on a business trip when a severe winter storm knocked out power to our entire block.

Amidst heavy snow, he had abandoned his corporate clients and driven through the night just to make it back to me.

When I asked him how he pulled it off, he just gave me a gentle smile, refusing to brag.

He wrapped me tightly in his arms, whispering that I was safe.

The very next day, he filled the apartment with emergency lanterns and scented candles.

He made me promise that whenever the lights went out again, I wouldn't be scared—I just had to call him, anytime, anywhere.

Ethan didn't return until the following evening.

The moment he walked through the door, my eyes locked onto the fresh, bright red mark on his collarbone.

It was blatantly obvious, almost as if it had been left there intentionally for me to see.

In his hand was a warm box of donuts, exactly as he had promised the night before.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, babe. Work was slammed last night; I couldn't get away to come home to you."

He reached out naturally, moving to wrap his arms around me.

I subtly shifted my body, quietly dodging his touch.

The sudden coldness left Ethan's hands frozen in midair, a flicker of genuine shock flashing through his eyes.

"What's wrong, babe? Still mad at me?"

I looked down at the untouched box of donuts sitting on the counter. A quiet, self-mocking smirk pulled at my lips, but underneath, I felt nothing but ice.

I didn't even have the energy to be angry anymore.

"I'm not."

My voice was flat, totally devoid of emotion.

Ethan leaned down, his fingertips reaching out to brush against my cheek.

"Then don't give me the cold shoulder, alright? I know I messed up. Next time, I promise I'll cancel everything just to stay with you."

I looked up, staring directly at the bright red hickey stamped against his collarbone.

"Ethan, what happened to your neck?"

He froze mid-motion. His hand reflexively shot up to cover it, a momentary flicker of panic crossing his face before he smoothed it back into an easy smile.

"Just bumped into something at work. Didn't even notice it."

I gave a faint nod, my heart completely still.

He couldn't even be bothered to come up with a decent lie anymore.

I didn't call him out. I didn't press for answers. I just let it slide.

Maybe my sudden silence unnerved him.

"By the way, babe," Ethan began softly, his voice dropping into that familiar, tender cadence. "In a couple of days, I need to check into the clinic for another observation stay. My condition has been acting up lately, and the quiet environment will help me stabilize for a few days."

Inpatient care again.

Another "rest period."

Back then, I was stupid enough to think he was truly fragile and suffering.

I babied him, walked on eggshells around him, and carried our entire life on my back.

And all while taking advantage of my devotion, he was sneaking off to play house with Maya Miller.

"Okay," I said.

Just that one, empty word.

I turned on my heel and walked into the bedroom.

While Ethan was in the shower, my phone buzzed with an incoming DM from Maya on SnapChat.

It was a photo of an ultrasound report.