Chapter 1

On the night of our fifth wedding anniversary, I sat alone at a window seat in Menton.

It’s a Michelin-starred French restaurant you have to book a month in advance. I even wore the vintage white silk dress Ethan loved―the same one I wore on our first date at Harvard Square eight years ago.

The clock struck nine as the waiter came over for the third time to ask if I was ready to order.

My phone finally buzzed.

"Board meeting's running late. Don't wait up."

I stared at the text, a bitter smile twisting my lips. Then, out of habit, I opened Instagram.

The latest post was from Chloe―Ethan’s “super-competent” executive assistant.

In the photo, Ethan’s tie was loosened, and he had a smear of cream on his face. He and Chloe were sharing a slice of red velvet cake with the same fork. The location tag: Secret Garden Café.

The caption was simple: "Cheers to new beginnings."

I put down my phone and liked the post.

Then I raised my hand. "Check, please."

My phone started vibrating like crazy. I silenced it, slipped off my Christian Louboutins, and walked barefoot on the cobblestone streets of Back Bay.

The Boston autumn night was cold, but the soles of my feet were colder.

At 1 a.m., he left a voicemail.

"Emily, I know you're upset. I'll explain when I get home. It's not what you think. We still have so many anniversaries to celebrate, okay?"

I didn't reply.

So many more anniversaries?

I had planned to tell him tonight―that I was willing to try one more time. One last time.

Now, it seemed, there was no need.

It was time to end this.

...

Ethan didn’t come home until the next evening.

When he pushed open the apartment door, I was directing two movers to carry out the living room sofa.

He froze in the doorway. "You finally agreed to move to Silver Creek Estates?"