That was when the ice melted. Without her constant presence whispering in his ear, Nathan finally looked at me. He saw me. We started talking. We started laughing. He started coming home early.
I remembered the first time he brought me flowers—white lilies. I remembered the trip to the Maldives where we made love under the stars, and he held me afterward, whispering that he was glad he married me.
I thought I had won. I thought patience and love had conquered his heart. I thought we were finally a real marriage.
Then, six months ago, Danica came back.
She returned with a failed degree and a sob story, and Nathan immediately hired her as his executive assistant.
And just like that, the light in our marriage flickered and went out.
The betrayal didn’t happen all at once. It was a slow, agonizing erosion.
Betrayal number one: He forgot my birthday because Danica had a flat tire and needed rescuing.
Betrayal number ten: He missed our anniversary dinner because Danica was "depressed" about her ex and needed a friend.
Betrayal number fifty: I found a receipt for a diamond bracelet in his pocket. I never received it. Two days later, I saw it on Danica’s wrist. She claimed she bought it herself.