We're All Moving Forward, No Time to Turn Back

"Daniel used to take me to meet clients all the time," Ada said, glancing my way. "Shopping isn't enough; you've got to help me peel shrimp too."

Daniel had a thing about cleanliness; he hated greasy foods and didn't even like anyone touching his stuff. That's why we never hired a maid—every chore was on me.

But judging by Ada's casual demeanor, it seemed Daniel had no problem peeling shrimp for her.

After a few awkward moments, Christopher made an excuse to wrap up the dinner. Once he left, Daniel went straight to his car, taking Ada home.

I took a cab back, and once I was home, I made myself a bowl of noodles.

When Daniel returned, I had already eaten half. He frowned. "I told you I don't like cilantro. Don't let that smell linger in the house."

"Daniel, do you even remember what I like? You know every dish Ada enjoys, but what about me?"

His annoyance was evident as he rubbed his nose. "Can you stop being so unreasonable? I'm drained from work. How can I remember every little thing? And it's your fault we didn't land that client today. Mia, when are you going to be more considerate?"

Every time we fought, Daniel pushed the blame onto me. In the past, I would have felt guilty and bent over backward to appease him until he calmed down.

But now, the love that once clouded my judgment was gone. I saw the man in front of me wasn't as perfect as I had once thought; my love had merely cast a glow over him.

I finished my noodles in silence and went to wash up. A loud crash echoed from the living room, but I didn't check. Instead, I moved to the guest room to sleep.

The next morning, to my surprise, Daniel had made oatmeal.

"Mia, I might have been too busy with work lately and overlooked you, but you have to understand that I'm working hard for our home!"

This was about as close to an apology as Daniel would get.

But I didn't want to accept it. "I've never liked oatmeal."

With a dark look, he dumped the oatmeal down the sink and left without another word.