David lost the house, the car, and the illusion that I was too emotional to protect myself.
He called me cruel.
I reminded him cruelty was making your wife sit behind another woman in the rain and calling her sensitive when she finally felt the wound.
Cecilia did not stay long after that.
Men who lose their borrowed kingdom are rarely as charming without the keys.
Six months later, I moved into a smaller apartment overlooking the river. No chandelier. No polished marble. No husband correcting my tone.
Just peace.
One morning, I bought myself a new car. Nothing flashy. Nothing meant to impress anyone.
When the dealer asked which seat I wanted to test first, I opened the driver’s door.
I had spent twelve years helping David feel powerful.
Now I remembered something better.
I was never meant to sit behind anyone.