Chapter 4

Back then, David was so passionate and real. Every time I held him, feeling that strong, steady heartbeat under his lean, broad chest, I honestly believed that as long as I was wrapped up in his arms, nothing in the world could scare me.

How did someone so good and pure just fall apart like that? I kept thinking of Helen, always showing up uninvited, talking about babies. And of David, watching his colleagues' children with that far-off, aching look in his eyes.

Maybe if we had a child, things would finally get better. Maybe David would change.

So on our anniversary, I came home early. I spent hours setting up a romantic candlelit dinner, and even slipped into that sexy dress I'd bought on our honeymoon. With my heart full of hope, I sent him a text.

[Honey, come home early tonight. I want to talk to you about something.]

But after I sent the message, there was no reply. I sat there, staring at the dinner getting cold on the table, feeling more and more uneasy. Finally, I picked up my phone and called him.

A drawling female voice came on the line. "Dr. Shore's in the shower right now. What's up?"

I froze, then hung up on instinct. After a few seconds, still in shock, I dialed again. "Who are you? Why are you answering David's phone?"

There was a brief silence on the other end, followed by a mocking laugh. "Does it have anything to do with you, Mrs. Shore?" She hung up.

I waited at the dining table. The food had gone cold, and the candles were nothing but stubs. At long last, the door finally opened. David was back.

"Who is she?" I blurted out, feeling like my soul was being torn in two, one side screaming in pain, the other forcing myself to stay calm and ask.

"What?" David frowned. "I've been in surgery all day. I'm exhausted. I'm going to bed."

"I'm talking about the woman who picked up your phone and said you were in the shower!" My voice cracked, desperate and sharp, as I struggled to hold myself together.

David shot me an impatient look. "I'm exhausted. Stop making a scene. Aren't you embarrassed? I've been busy all day. I have no idea what you're talking about."

With that, David headed straight for the guest room. He used to sleep there when he got home late, worried he'd disturb me. But lately, even when he came back early, he'd still choose the guest room over our bedroom.

"David. What do you really want? If you've got someone else out there, just admit it. We can break up without drama. I won't cling to you!" His nonchalant attitude finally broke me, and I screamed at him.

David shot me an annoyed look. "You look pathetic right now." And then he shoved me aside, walked into the room, and slammed the door behind him.

I couldn't let it slide. Maybe one of those women around David was trying to make me suspicious on purpose. So the next day, after he left for work, I decided to go to his hospital myself.

Standing outside his office, I watched as a gorgeous nurse walked in carrying a cup of coffee.

Through the glass, I saw David flash her that gentle, affectionate smile, the one I hadn't seen in forever, the same smile he used to give me back when we were crazy in love.

I had no idea what they were talking about, but suddenly the nurse leaned in, blocking my view. I couldn't take it anymore and stormed right in. "David!"

He looked at me in shock as I burst in, then his face went cold. "This is a hospital. Please leave!"

I stared at the kiss mark on his cheek, clinging to denial. "Tell me she came onto you. You didn't want any of this, did you?"

The woman across from me let out a soft laugh and boldly settled herself on David's lap. David rubbed his temples. "Olivia, can't you act with a little class?"

"I want a divorce. I want out!" I screamed, my voice cracking with hysteria.