Chapter 2

As the party wrapped up, my girlfriends started complaining. They said, "We thought you'd ditch us for some jerk! Don't you dare do that again. No guy is ever more important than your girls."

I nodded in agreement and replied, "Promise, if I'm free, I'll always be there for your get-togethers. Don't worry about it."

Ever since I started dating Eric, I have made him the center of my world.

Whether it was work or my daily life, everything revolved around him, and I lost my own circle and friends along the way.

Looking back now, that was a really dumb move.

I glanced at my phone and saw that Eric had returned the money.

By the time I got home, it was already three in the morning.

I flipped on the lights and saw Eric sitting on the couch.

For a moment, my mind went blank; I almost wondered if I was hallucinating.

When Eric saw me drunk, he didn't bother to help. Instead, he just gave me that look like he wished I'd get my act together.

He said, "Emma, can't you pull yourself together for once? If you're jealous, just admit it. Is this how a married woman should behave, getting wasted in the middle of the night? Seriously, do you even hear yourself?"

My head was spinning, and I staggered over to the couch, steadying myself against the wall.

Eric caught the smell of booze on me and gave a barely noticeable frown. He continued saying, "Didn't I tell you I don't like your friends? You went out messing around with them again?

"Emily and I aren't what you think. We're just friends right now. You really didn't have to drink yourself silly just because of her."

I propped my head up and shot back, annoyed, "You're overthinking it. I just had a good time with my friends and had a few extra drinks."

Eric's tone turned harsh, and he replied, "Enough. I've already given you a way out; what else do you want from me? Don't push me. My patience has limits, you know. I'm not some saint who can keep letting things slide for you."

My head was throbbing, and his ranting just made it pound even harder.

I rubbed my temples and replied, "Are you finished? If you are, I'm going to bed."

Eric took a deep breath, reined in his temper, and stood up, reaching out to steady me.

But with the last bit of clarity I had, I dodged him.

I wobbled into the guest room and locked the door behind me, completely tuning out Eric's knocking outside.

That night, I crashed hard, and for some reason, I slept more soundly than I had in ages.

When I woke up the next morning, Eric was dead silent on the couch.

His face looked downright stormy; I knew he was mad as hell.

But I didn't bother to comfort him. I just got ready and headed out the door.

I went to the dance troupe and handed in my resignation.

I used to dance there because it was close to home, so I could easily look after Eric.

But now, I don't need to do that anymore.

The instructor kept trying to get me to stay, but I stood my ground and said no.

Just last week, I heard back from the international dance company I applied to; they offered me a spot.

Getting into that dance company was my dream growing up, but I gave it up for Eric. Luckily, it's not too late for me to go after what I've always wanted.

After I quit, I wrapped up my remaining work and called my best friend to share the good news.