a

she clung tighter to my husband. Shawn didn't push her away. He didn't even look

lize we had company." She extended a manicured hand toward me, a massive diam

e dropped to the wedding band on my own fin

in it, my carefully applied makeup surely smudged beneath my eyes. "What the hell is going on here, Shawn? I've been ca

kin just days ago, stared at me with cold detachment. "I do not owe yo

ur brain surgery when my resident collapsed mid-procedure? Who had memorized my favorite takeout o

ank? We were fine just yesterday morning, you kissed me goodbye and told me you had a surprise for our anniversary! I swapped shifts specifically to be home e

rse, a softening of his gaze, anything to explain this nightmare. Inste

he repeated, his voice devoi

ée?" My voice sounded distant, even to my own ears. "What about me? What about our marriage?

g his gift. "Look! I got this for you. For our three months. For the happi

aved with our wedding date and "Forever in rhythm with you." Shawn's eyes flickered to it fo

n our bed, with your arms around me, and everything will be normal again." I opened my eyes, tears streaming freely d

nk marriage is a game? Something you can discard when you're bored? Tell me! Did I do so

to Carla, who stood nearby with downcast eyes. "Move Vivian'

e. "Shawn? SHAWN! I'm talking to you!" I lunged forward, desperate to ma

the edge of the coffee table as I fell. Through tears, I saw Shawn's body tense, his hands clenching into fists at his

t I'd arranged, the anniversary card lying facedown beside me. Three months ago,