So that was why he'd worked so hard to make money. To chase more women.
Back then, I'd cut ties with my own mother to marry him. I'd squeezed into that cramped, run-down rental with him and shared a single cup of instant noodles for dinner.
He was under so much pressure at work that he'd grown gaunt. So I'd hide the only hot dog at the bottom of the noodle cup, then pretend I was full halfway through and push the rest toward him.
When he fished out that hot dog, his eyes went red.
He pulled me into his arms, voice thick with guilt:
"I'm sorry, Elaine. You've suffered so much being with me. I swear I'll make something of myself, and when I do, I'll make up for every hardship you've endured."
After that, he threw himself into work even harder.
Maybe back then, when he said he wanted to give me the best life possible, he'd meant it from the bottom of his heart.
But now, giving his heart to other women was just as real.
Melvin and the others shoved Otis into the wedding suite with a chorus of laughter, then had the good sense to leave.
I stared at the window, eyes locked on the two silhouettes shifting behind the curtain.