I No Longer Love, But He Regrets

Michael rushed to my side.While holding a water cup in one hand and gently patting my back with the other he said,"Drink some water,Honey.Do you feel better?"

I saw his wedding ring back on his ring finger.I slowly straightened up,noticing the dishes on the table and a large cake.He smiled before saying,"Did you forget?Today's our third wedding anniversary."

I had forgotten.

The first year,I prepared flowers and cake,but he didn't come home for two days.When he returned,the flowers had wilted.The second year,I cooked a feast,but he disappeared.He returned drunk the next day,apologizing profusely,promising to make up for it.That's when I discovered the faint lip print on his shirt.

Clichéd soap opera plot,but it was my reality.

I tried to be a good wife and daughter-in-law for two years.After that,he thought I didn't know,but I pretended not to.I considered leaving but couldn't bear to.

I had loved Michael since high school.He was the popular,handsome,and intelligent star.I was shy and introverted,always pushed to the sidelines.I studied hard only to get closer to him.I finally managed to score alongside him in our senior year's last mock exam.

We attended the same university,same major.It was an unthinkable luck to me.In college,I became his errand runner.I worked hard for years,earning his confession and proposal.

How could I leave?

When I discovered our marriage's third wheel,I vowed to endure.I waited until I got pregnant,and he returned home.

It was just a temporary happiness.I wanted to ask him,'why pretend when your heart isn't mine?Why give me fleeting happiness only to snatch it away?'

I suppressed my tears.Michael helped me sit,and we ate together.All of them were my favorite dishes.While he was feeding me with smile,I asked,"Why so happy?"

He chuckled,"Client's message."

I nodded before asking,"Do you have to be so happy about work?"

His smile faltered as he said in an indifferent voice,"Emily,don't be like my mom."

I smiled bitterly and said no more words.

'This is the last time.'I vowed to myself.