Chapter 2
This kind of situation has happened more times than I'd like to admit.
Ever since Gia Bryant joined the company and was chosen by Emmitt as his assistant, his attention unmistakably leaned towards this young woman, just out of her twenties. Whenever I challenged Gia about their overly close interactions, Emmitt always took her side, which invariably ended with me being the one to apologize.
About two weeks ago, I needed to discuss something work-related with him. But as I entered his office, I found them exiting the break room, clothes looking rumpled. Through the space between them, I could see the disheveled sofa, clear evidence of what had occurred.
That break room—even I, his legal wife, wasn't allowed to use it for a quick rest.
I stood there, frozen with shock and anger, desperate to voice my fury, but the words failed me.
Seeing my stunned expression, Gia offered a casual smile. “Oh, Natalie, don’t misunderstand. Emmitt was just stressed from work, and I was helping him with a back massage.”
I wished I could avoid such suspicions, but with a man and a woman alone, rumpled clothes, and a sofa in a state of disarray—it's hard for anyone to not draw conclusions.
Later, I subtly mentioned to Emmitt that it might be wise to keep some distance from other women, given he's a married man. His reaction was explosive.
“What do you mean by that? I work hard until I’m drained, and Gia was just being kind. Why do you have to misconstrue it?” he snapped.
“All you think about are these sordid ideas, aren’t they?”
I couldn't help but retort. “What do I mean? You and another woman alone—does that sound right to you?”
His anger grew, throwing things and accusing me of distrust, leading to a fierce argument. His defensiveness made me suspect there was something he was concealing.
But lacking solid proof and still holding on to feelings for him, I pretended nothing happened as days passed.
Until the night before my business trip to oversee a project, the company hosted a farewell party for me. During the celebration, Gia got completely plastered, and instead of attending to me, his wife, Emmitt hovered around Gia, deflecting drinks on her behalf.
Our colleagues all watched, some with sarcastic smiles, others with pity directed my way. I chose to ignore it, focusing on being a gracious host, ensuring everyone was well-fed and entertained.
Perhaps my patience encouraged him. After the party ended, Emmitt offered to take Gia home and didn’t return until morning. When he showed up, he feebly claimed he had only been caring for her and nothing else happened.
Yet, the missing belt around his waist and faint marks on his chest told another story, hinting at last night’s intensity. Still, I opted to ignore it, convincing myself they were mere mosquito bites.
But tonight shattered any illusions.
Once again, I trusted and forgave, only to be met with escalating betrayal instead of understanding. He had the nerve to bring his little affair home, into the house we bought with such effort, the very emblem of our love and marriage.
Even I, foolish as I may be, could no longer convince myself there was nothing between them.
Throughout our long relationship, from dating to marriage, I always made the compromises. After all, relationships are full of conflicts and disagreements. Someone has to step back. Since he wouldn’t, I did.
But my endless compromises only emboldened him, and there was nowhere left for me to retreat.
I chose to leave.