Chapter 3

March 1, 2023

I set the breakfast I had prepared on the dining table just as Dean emerged from the bedroom. I smiled at him, but he avoided eye contact and sat down. I tried not to let it bother me; ever since Marina mentioned wanting a divorce, this had been his usual demeanor with me.

This is why I couldn't buy Dean's claims of amnesia. After two days of quietly observing him, I concluded he was faking it. He was using the silent treatment along with his supposed memory loss as a tactic to make me frustrated enough to initiate the divorce. The cherry on top was him asking yesterday if he married me because he loved me.

Breakfast passed in silence. I was patiently peeling an apple when Dean's phone rang. His face lit up with a smile as he glanced at the caller ID. "Marina, yeah, I'm awake. Still a little dizzy, but I'll be okay. Make sure to wear something warm. Yep, I'm home, feel free to come by anytime."

My hand paused mid-peel. Should I make myself scarce so they could have more room to parade their affection? If I had to witness their lovey-dovey behavior once more, I feared I might truly get sick.

After finishing breakfast, I tidied up and told Dean I was heading out.

"Alright, Marina said she's coming over to take care of me, so you don't need to worry," he replied.

I nodded with a smile, "That's great; I won't worry then. I'll be back tonight, and we can talk after dinner."

Dean seemed to be searching my eyes for a reaction, maybe hoping to see dismay or defeat. But he'd be let down, as my gaze remained steady.

"Okay," he said.