Love Sank In Marriage

Once I got home, I didn't waste a minute before I started packing.

Five years in this house was five years too many.

I had once dreamt of a life here, filled with love and partnership.

That dream had me leaving my doting parents to build a home with him in Portland.

I had put my soul into decorating every corner of our home.

Whenever I sought Aaron's input, his response was always, "Whatever makes you happy."

He treated our home like just another temporary stay.

I left a signed divorce agreement on the kitchen table.

Then, I moved back to the loft above my flower shop.

In hindsight, I'm grateful I fought for my career—it gave me a refuge when I needed it most.

By the time I was done, the morning had fully broken.

Since I had a wedding to set up that day, I decided to just head straight to work.

After I left, Aaron didn't bother to contact me.

Life without him suddenly opened up more free time than I'd ever had.

I used to split my days between taking care of him and managing the shop.

It was always a struggle.

Now, I could pour my energy into the work I loved.

That brought me a strange peace.

Until that peace was disrupted a week later.

At a client's wedding, I ran into Aaron, Lily, and her child.

Aaron spotted me and quickly pulled me aside.

He scrutinized my outfit.

"Jane, you showing up like this, are you trying to make me look bad?"

"If I'd known you'd let yourself go, I never would've agreed to your little flower shop venture."

Lily, clutching her child, joined in,

"Can you believe her? Showing up like she belongs? With Aaron's reputation on the line?"

"Tell you what, marrying her was his biggest mistake. She's even threatening him with divorce now. If anyone knows a sharp lawyer, hook us up. I'm not letting her walk away with his money."

In Aaron's eyes, I was nothing more than an embarrassment.

And as Lily spoke ill of me, Aaron's silence was his agreement.

He never stood up for me.

Never really stood by my side.

I yanked my hand free from his.

"Aaron, once you sign the divorce papers, there'll be no more embarrassment."

Aaron looked down at me, his expression one of pure condescension.

"Jane, do you really think these stunts are necessary? Running away, throwing divorce papers around? Do you think you can actually live without me? I'm tired of your games. They're just a waste of my time."

He tried to pull me into the crowd, but I resisted.

Suddenly, I felt weak and collapsed.

I woke up in a hospital.

Aaron was there, looking worried.

"Honey, are you alright? Tell me where it hurts, I'll get a doctor."

His concern seemed genuine, but I was skeptical.

It wasn't until the doctor announced I was pregnant that I understood the charade.

Aaron had always said he didn't want kids.

Our pretend play in front of his parents was based on that lie.

Watching him dote on Lily and her child had always hurt.

I had even considered breaking our pact because I wanted a child with him.

I had been secretly preparing my body, waiting for him to change his mind.

When he found out I was taking prenatal vitamins, his cold response confirmed my fears.

"Jane, I won't have kids with you."

It was clear then—he didn't dislike kids, just the idea of having them with me.

What then was his sudden tenderness at the hospital?

He gently touched my stomach.

"Jane, we're having a baby. I'm about to be a dad."

I watched the IV drip emotionlessly.

"Aaron, it's just my baby."

Divorce was still on my mind; this child wouldn't change that.

"Jane, let me explain..."

He looked at me earnestly, but his phone interrupted us.

It was Lily, panicking, "Aaron, Emma's got a fever, and I'm really worried. Can you come over?"

He stood up without hesitation.

As he reached for the door, I stopped him.

"Aaron, please, just let me be."

He paused, not turning around, and said, "Jane, I'll be back."

Clearly, his priorities were still with Lily and her child.

After the IV, the doctor cleared me to go home.

I stopped by a bakery for some sweets.

The rain gently patted the windows, and I found solace in the sound.

That night, I slept more soundly than I had in years.

But the next morning, as I descended the stairs, I was stunned by what I saw.