I had just been released from the maternity ward, my body still sore, legs trembling, my newborn daughter curled against my chest, warm and impossibly small. A nurse eased me into a wheelchair and asked softly, “Is your husband here to take you home?”

I glanced toward the hospital entrance, already knowing the answer. Marcus wasn’t there.

Ten minutes later, my phone rang. His voice was sharp and rushed. “Lena, just take the bus. I’m tied up.”

I stared at the floor. “Marcus, I just gave birth. I can barely walk.”

He exhaled loudly, irritated. “Stop exaggerating. The bus stop is right outside. I’ve already told the driver to take my parents and my sister out for dinner. They’re hungry.”

The line went dead before I could say another word.

Moments later, a black luxury sedan glided past the entrance. Through the dark glass, I saw his mother laughing, his sister recording videos on her phone, and Marcus leaning back comfortably. Not one of them looked toward me.