Chapter 2
Andrew didn't come home until way past midnight.
He walked in holding a necklace box with a thin layer of dust on it.
It was the necklace I'd added to my online cart two months ago and removed later because it felt way too expensive.
Turned out that he still remembered.
If it were before, I'd probably forgive him because of that.
But when he handed me the box, the gardenia scent Lucy always wore was still lingering on him.
"Anniversary gift.
"I got the kid to sleep. Sorry I took so long," he explained.
I didn't take it.
"What did you promise Lucy?" I asked.
Andrew frowned.
"What?" he asked.
"She mentioned in your car that you never let anyone sit in the passenger seat. Sounds like you two have talked about that seat before."
He set the necklace box down on the table, looking exhausted.
"If she sat in the back, it would remind her of when her ex locked her in the car. She'd freak out.
"I promised to drive her around this summer. Once the custody ruling comes through, that's it," he said.
My fingers slowly curled into a fist.
"I had an episode today.
"I passed out at the bus stop and ended up in the hospital," I said.
Andrew went quiet for a few seconds and lifted his hand, as if to hug me.
I pulled away.
His hand froze in midair.
Then he told me, "Helen, it's different for you.
"You've got a good job, and you're strong. You'll be fine without me.
"She got divorced, her ex keeps harassing her, and she's terrified he'll take her daughter away."
So, being independent was a crime now.
The ones who could tough it out always got left behind.
I asked him, "What about our anniversary?"
"The cake's ruined. Guess we can buy another one, right?"
"I waited for you in the hospital. Should I do it again next year?"
He was clearly getting annoyed. "I hurried to the hospital.
"Why do you have to make things so hard for someone who's already at rock bottom?"
I looked at him and felt hollow inside.
Four years ago, he held my hand outside city hall and promised that no matter how busy life got, he'd never leave me alone on the days that mattered.
Now, he still remembered to buy me a necklace.
But on the day that mattered most, he was there for someone else instead of me.
I asked, my voice dropping to a whisper, "Andrew, do you like her?"
His face darkened.
"Helen, I haven't crossed any lines.
"I'm helping her out, that's all," he said.
"Then why are you hiding me?"
He didn't answer.
Then, his phone rang.
Lucy was sobbing so hard that she could barely breathe.
"Andrew, he's banging on the door again.
"Sophie's freaking out and keeps calling for her dad. What am I supposed to do?" she cried.
Andrew spun around and snatched up his car keys.
I looked at him. "Are you coming back tonight?"
He paused. "I'll come back once I've taken care of it."
"You always make me wait."
He turned back, his expression cold. "Someone could get killed over there.
"Helen, you used to be so thoughtful."
The door slammed shut.
The necklace box on the table shuddered from it.
When I checked my phone, it was past midnight.
Our anniversary was over.
I sent the necklace back to the shopping site and called my lawyer.
He asked, "Are you sure about this?"
I stared at the cake that was still untouched.
"I'm sure.
"Please help me prepare the divorce agreement," I replied.