a Bak

tions. My focus was elsewhere. I walked into the master closet, the scen

devoid of emotion. "Bring me the emerald green dr

gown. It was my favorite, a vibrant jewel-toned silk,

ady, deliberate motion, I cut into the delicate silk. The fabric, once a symbol of our love, now shredded u

marriage certificate, the property deeds. I didn't bother with scissors this time. My fingers,

cuments, placing them carefully into a small, ornate woo

acoby. My muscles tensed, but

elieve what I've got for you!" He gestured grandly to a corner of the living room where a monstrous

eld. He didn't even notice the faint emerald threads clinging to

. The comments section of his mental social media feed was undo

ld?" he declared to the empty room, pulling me into

aint, sweet scent-not mine-wafted from it. And there it was, a tiny, almost invisible, g

d my head, offering my cheek. He seemed not to noti

ed, his eyes gleaming with a performative curi

ng it with a silk scarf. "Just a little somethi

clapped his hands together with a boyish enthusiasm that

a testament to his utter cluel

, my voice flat. "It's next w

ebrate properly! A grand party, just for you!" He immediately pulled out his phone, dialing his ass

forgetfulness, his performative enthusiasm, his frantic calls-

uest list for the shareholder meeting has been f

s about to learn the true

I understand. Urgent client meeting. I'll be there." He hung up, turning to me with a prac

"But before I go," he began, "I wanted to do

t a small, unassuming coffee shop. Every anniversary, we' d revisit it, orde

I said, my

st to the lively memories that were supposed to be evoked. As we pu

Eliana! O

tered on his face. He wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me close. "

gushed from the crowd. "Still so

of a devoted husband. "She's my world," he whisp

a practiced movement. The words fe

n, greeted us warmly. "Jacoby, Eliana! The usual, I

ul, Mr. Henderson." He winked at me, a theatrical gesture of affection.

n chuckled, shaking his head fondly. "You tw

r run down my spine