Once Upon a Marriage

oi

he television remote. Today was Lucian'

ented me from accompanyi

ee my vision." I smiled, fe

his way to the stage, looking impeccably polished in his tailored suit. I had

ounce the launch of our latest collection-a collection crafted with love, pass

"Our" collection, I

ct, someone whose talent and dedication have brought this vision

ng with pride and excitement. I could

he genius behind this collection

, gesturing off-stage. My smile widened, my

merged from the stage, it was Jennifer, Lucian's ex

throat, and from that mom

she belonged there- as if she had any right to stand on that s

m her neck and ears.

xclaimed,my voice

his arm slipping around her waist with a c

ith a softness, a warmth that I h

e, both personally and professionally,"

more fitting to lead this p

h coming in short, shallow gasps. T

age I accepted for my selfish reasons. My childhood crush came as

the child we bore together that our

a man that was never mine to begin with, a marriage

lit with admiration and awe. People

fe, who despised and spited me whenever she please

It's the start of a new chapter." He paused, turning t

or us, and for our

crowd

eeping into my voice as the realiz

tone smooth and practiced, as i

our relationship we never had to

o loud I could barel

my separation from E

ing the tears I had ste

ending our marriag

d Jennifer's coy smile, the way she leaned int

r what happened years ago i wouldn't be in this me

shock playing before me. "Is this a dream

sion was now d

h, as if to keep myself from screaming. I want

to tear me apart. "This was supposed to be my night, I thought, disbe

his voice filled with convicti

raised his glass in a toast. He clinked

screen as the man I trusted and loved for so long casuall

acrifices, the years wasted, the tears, every ounce of loyalty I ha

one last time before the feed cut out. My scre

iately-it was Max, my Son. His eyes were wide with fear. "Mom

him tight, muffling the crying s