You Were My Only Once

Amanda stepped out, her eyes widening in surprise when she saw me. "What are you doing back?"

I fought through the sharp pain in my head and responded with bitter sarcasm, "I suppose I shouldn't intrude on your little world."

Amanda frowned. "Why are you being so snarky? Russell's here to help me. Can you please speak civilly? Wasn't I clear enough before?"

I gestured toward Russell with a mocking smile. "I'm really trying to stay composed here, with my wife's ex-boyfriend cozying up in my clothes at my own house. Amanda, what more do you expect from me?"

"Russell just helped me get dinner ready and accidentally got his clothes dirty. We don't have any other clothes, so I let him borrow mine. I mean, come on, Michael, don't be so unreasonable!" Amanda snapped, acting as if I was the one being irrational.

I couldn't wrap my head around it. Inviting another man into our home while I was in the hospital and letting him wear my clothes—is that really normal? Or does she expect me to play the fool and ignore everything?

"Mr. Pierce, I think you've misunderstood. There's nothing between Amanda and me. I'm just here to teach her how to cook. The clothes were an accident. I was actually about to discuss visiting you in the hospital with Amanda," Russell interjected.

"Shut up!" I glared at Russell. It was obvious he was deliberately flaunting his closeness to Amanda, putting on an act to look considerate.

"Get out of my house, right now!" I pointed to the door, making it clear I wanted him gone.

But before I could react further, Amanda slapped me.

The sudden sting left me momentarily disoriented. I staggered sideways, struggling to stay upright. If my right hand weren't injured, I might have balanced myself, but with the pain shooting through my arm...

I hit the floor, the sharp agony making me break out in a cold sweat. For a moment, I was at a loss for words, overwhelmed by the pain.

Clenching my teeth, I tried to push myself up, but the anger had left my face, replaced by a grimace of pain. Seeing this, Amanda rushed over to help, but I shoved her away.

"Don't touch me!" My voice trembled with the intensity of my pain.

"You have no right to act like this, Michael. Besides, this is my home. What gives you the authority to kick my guests out?"

I was stunned, then managed a self-deprecating smile. "Yeah, what right do I have?"

I thought I had found a home, but it was just an illusion.

"Amanda, let's get a divorce."

If she doesn't want to stay, then there's no point in holding on.