Chapter 1

The first time I met Edward Miller, we ended up scrapping by the dumpster over some plastic bottles.

Later, I found out his dad died when he was three, and his mom went off to find work and never returned.

What a coincidence, I didn't have a home either.

We huddled together, keeping each other warm.

We worked our way up from a cramped rental to a big house.

Eight years into our marriage, Edward suddenly said he wanted us to take wedding photos. "We were so broke when we got married, so we couldn't even afford wedding photos. It's about time we finally do it," he said.

While I was getting my makeup done for the wedding shoot, the makeup artist said, "There's another couple next door, about to get married, having their wedding photos taken too.

"Hope they're still crazy about each other eight years down the line, just like you two."

I looked at Edward, feeling all warm and happy, but he just brushed me off, saying he needed to use the restroom.

After my makeup was done, I went to look for him.

But what I saw was Edward, holding a girl in a wedding dress, kissing her fiercely.

"Seriously? You really came here to take wedding photos with him?" Edward snapped. "I'll give you anything you want, just not marriage. Break up with him."

Suddenly, a pair of arms yanked me back. "Hey, your husband just stole my girlfriend. So, how are you gonna make it up to me?"

*****

The photographer glanced at me, looking a bit embarrassed. "Mrs. Miller, can you give me a bigger, happier smile? See, Mr. Miller's already smiling so sweetly."

Edward took my hand, giving me that loving look in his eyes. "Honey, feeling nervous? Why the serious face? Just think about everything we've been through together. That'll put a smile on your face."

His gentle words hit me like a punch to the gut.

Now, all those sweet memories just tasted bitter, nothing but cruel irony.

During the sixteen years, from twelve to twenty-eight, it was just the two of us against the world.

When we were at our lowest, with only half a piece of bread left, we'd fight to give it to each other.

When a client made things difficult for me, he stood up for me and got himself thrown in jail for seven days.

When he got sick, I even sold my own blood just to scrape together enough for his hospital bills.

Back then, he was crying, swearing he'd love me for the rest of his life and make sure I'd have the best life he could give.

But now that we'd finally made it, he was not the same man anymore.

Seeing him kiss another woman in the fitting room made me feel like a splinter stuck in my throat.

Even though the photographer was desperately trying to get me to smile, there was just no way I could manage it.

As the minutes dragged on, Edward's face finally showed clear impatience.

Then his phone rang, and he grabbed it almost instantly, a quick smile flashing in his eyes.

"Alright, that's enough. We're an old married couple now. No need for a ton of photos. These will do," Edward said. "I've got something at work, need to drop by. Head home on your own."

I quietly hopped in a cab and tailed him, not expecting him to actually head to the office.

Just as I was about to breathe a sigh of relief, I saw a girl throw herself into his arms.

The girl was the one I saw in the fitting room.

It finally clicked that this was Edward's secretary, Briella Dyer.

Edward's voice snapped me out of it.

"It's only been a little while, and you already miss me this much?" he teased.

Briella pouted, grinning without a care. "Of course I do. How could I not mind you going off to take wedding photos with your wife?"

Edward affectionately tapped Briella's nose and kissed her on the forehead. "If you hadn't gone and taken wedding photos with him just to spite me, I wouldn't have bothered doing it with her."

Their lovey-dovey image sent shivers down my spine.

Back then, he couldn't stand being around Briella.

He'd always complain she was hopeless at her job, never had a clue what was going on, and couldn't handle anything with any sense of responsibility.

To him, she was good for nothing.

But now, he was all over her, and didn't care at all that she already had a boyfriend.

When I got home, I got a message from Edward. [Honey, are you home yet?]

I ignored his message, my hands trembling as I opened up Briella's feed.

There were posts about coworkers helping her with her slides, friends dropping off viral cakes, and work seniors stepping in to teach her work stuff.

In the corner of every photo, I kept spotting Edward's face or something that belonged to him.

My hand stopped mid-scroll as I stared at her feed, unable to tear my eyes away.

Three months ago, I got into a car accident and ended up with a fractured leg. I called Edward, but all I got was a quick text: [Busy.]

Turned out, his "busy" meant he was off comforting Briella, who was mad at her boyfriend.

I stared blankly at my phone, my eyes stinging with tears.

A familiar scent washed over me as Edward came over and gently kissed my cheek. "Why haven't you eaten yet? You know your stomach's always been sensitive. Didn't I tell you not to wait up for me?"

During dinner, Edward took the time to fill my plate with my favorite food.

His thoughtfulness made my heart twist with pain.

"Edward, didn't you say Briella's always making mistakes? Maybe it's time to let her go," I said.

"No way," Edward refused instantly, not even pausing to think.

When he saw the stunned look on my face, his voice softened. "She's still young. Give her some time, and she'll get the hang of it. Julia, not everyone's like you.

"Try to show a little empathy, okay? I've got things to deal with at the office. I'm heading out."

With that, he turned and walked out.

Watching him walk away, I just couldn't hold it in anymore. The tears I'd been fighting finally started to fall.