I had foolishly believed that if I just ignored the women outside the wall, I could hold onto this illusion of happiness a little longer.
But how could someone who had already lowered herself into the dirt in a relationship ever hold on to anything beautiful?
By evening, the housekeeper placed a bowl of soup in front of me.
Only then did I recall that it was the day I usually brought soup to Diego.
I hesitated for a moment.
For Madeline’s sake, I thought, I should at least speak with him.
So I drove to his company.
Night had already fallen.
The lights on the top floor were still shining brightly.
The office door was ajar.
Just as I raised my hand to knock, the voices inside froze me in place.
“…What do I have to do for you to stay with me?”
Diego’s voice was low, steady, almost pleading.
“To stay with you? And then what, be the mistress?”
Courtney choked out a sob.
“I must have no pride, right? Yes, I’ve fallen for you. Hopelessly. I can’t stop myself from leaning on you, being close to you.”
“But when I saw her sitting beside you, I realized you’ll never give me what I truly want.”
“I want a love that doesn’t have to hide.”
“So let’s end it.”
Her voice trembled with grievance.