Chapter 3

03

Skylar stayed on that call for an entire hour.

She only returned to the car when her battery warning flashed.

The moment we walked through the front door, she began packing a suitcase.

“I have a business trip early tomorrow morning. I’m sleeping in the guest room tonight.”

Over the past six months, we had barely shared an intimate moment.

The few times she initiated contact were only when she had menstrual cramps and wanted me to massage her stomach.

Watching her pack with giddy excitement, I asked quietly, “Do you really have to leave so early? Tomorrow is my mom’s birthday...”

Skylar slammed the suitcase shut, her face twisting with rage.

“Dustin! We’ve been married for years! If you want to rot in your dead-end job, fine, but stop trying to drag me down with you!”

“Do you have any idea how long I’ve waited for this promotion?”

“If you dare stand in my way, we’re getting a divorce!”

Looking at her furious expression, words failed me.

In all our years together, I had only brought up divorce once.

It was a year ago, when her mother needed an emergency operation and I couldn't pull together enough cash.

I felt like an utter failure. Not wanting to hold her back, I offered to leave with nothing so she could find someone better.

That day, Skylar’s eyes turned bloodshot. She had climbed onto the window ledge, sobbing hysterically, threatening to jump if I ever mentioned leaving her again.

My heart shattered, and we held each other, weeping like children.

How long had it been since then? Now, she threw the word divorce around like a weapon.

All for the sake of her so-called career.

I watched silently as she wheeled her suitcase toward the door.

In her haste, a piece of skimpy lingerie remained caught in the zipper, dangling loosely as she strutted out.

In that exact moment, the last lingering piece of my heart died.

Outside, thunder rumbled as rain began to pour. I pulled out a pre-drafted divorce settlement and set it on the coffee table.

Right then, Skylar’s mother called.

“Dustin... I don't feel good. I can barely breathe... Can you please come over?”