After He Chose Her, I Chose Myself

As the night was coming to a close, my girlfriends gave me a big hug one by one, teasing, “We almost thought you’d traded us for a guy! Remember, no man is more important than your girls. Don’t pull that again.”

I nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly, “From now on, if you guys are hanging out and I’m free, I’ll definitely be there. You can count on it.”

Since I began seeing Edward, I’d built my entire world around him. Work, social events, everything seemed to orbit around Edward, leaving my own circle of friends in the dust. Looking back now, it was a choice I came to regret.

I glanced at my phone. Edward had returned a virtual gift I’d sent him earlier.

By the time I got home, it was already three in the morning. I flipped on the lights to find Edward on the couch. For a moment, I was taken aback, almost unsure if I was imagining things.

Edward didn’t offer to help my tipsy self. Instead, he shot me a frustrated look, more disappointed than worried. “Sabrina, get a hold of yourself. If you’re upset, just say it. But staying out drinking like this isn’t what a married woman should be doing.”

My head swam as I made my way unsteadily to the couch, using the wall to keep my balance.

Edward caught a faint smell of alcohol and barely suppressed a frown. “Haven’t I told you I’m not fond of those friends of yours? Yet here you are, partying with them again.”

He added, trying to justify, “Ruby and I are just friends now. There’s no need to drink yourself silly over her.”

I held my head, sighing, “You’re reading too much into this. I was just enjoying a night with my friends and went a little overboard.”

His voice rose, tinged with irritation, “This is enough. I’ve been patient, but what more do you want from me? Don’t test my patience. I’m not a saint who can indulge you forever.”

His words made my head throb even harder. I massaged my temples, “Are you finished? If so, I’m going to bed.”

Edward took a deep breath, trying to keep his cool before stepping forward to assist me. Yet, I managed to hold onto a bit of clarity and stepped aside from him.

I stumbled into the guest room, locking the door behind me and ignoring Edward’s knocking. That night, I fell into a deep and unusually serene sleep.

The next morning, Edward sat silently on the living room couch, looking as stormy as the weather outside. I could tell he was seething, but I didn’t make an effort to smooth things over. I just got ready for the day and headed out.