I wanted to believe him.
We had been together for six years. During that time, we had survived moving houses, the loss of my job, his mother’s illness, and countless ordinary challenges. I considered our marriage strong precisely because we had learned to face difficulties together.
What I didn’t realize was that Andrew preferred to create and solve certain problems behind my back.
On the morning of his birthday, I began preparing the celebration early. By seven that evening, the guests had arrived, the table was beautifully arranged, and my husband was in an unusually cheerful mood.
He joked with our friends, wrapped his arm around my shoulders, and repeatedly told everyone how lucky he was to have me as his wife.
Marina arrived last.
She wore a simple dark blue dress and carried a small bouquet and a paper gift bag. I immediately noticed how exhausted she looked. Dark circles surrounded her eyes, and her fingers were visibly trembling.
