Chapter 2

The first time I saw him, he was wearing a white shirt—tall and straight with a bright, sunny smile.

The day he proposed, I was overjoyed.

When he slipped the ring onto my finger, I whispered:

"For the rest of my life, it's only you."

His smile back then was so gentle, burned into my memory forever.

Before we got married, he doted on me. After we married, I never stopped loving him.

But he never showed affection in public. He always said, "Our life is ours alone. What others think doesn't matter."

I knew he was lying.

Because when he was with Celeste, they couldn't keep their hands off each other—around campus buildings, on the field, along tree-lined paths.

I was jealous, but I never pushed him to change. I believed Celeste was in the past—he was my husband now, the one I'd spend my life with.

But that belief crumbled every time he left me to be with Celeste.

I grew more and more exhausted. Loving him was draining.

Celeste called me:

"Ryan was so tired from working late last night. I didn't want him driving home, so he stayed at my place."

"But don't worry—nothing happened between us."

Hearing the smugness in her voice, I replied calmly, "Oh. Anything else?"

Celeste didn't expect that reaction. After a pause, she said, "Jade, you're pretty self-aware. You know making a scene won't help."

"Thanks for the compliment."

I responded politely, then hung up and walked into a law firm down the street.

I saw Ryan again the next day.

I was packing up Mom's belongings when he walked in.

"Let's go visit my parents today. I'll change quick—wait for me, and we'll head over together."

I didn't object. Harold and Margaret had always been good to me.

Ryan came out quickly after changing.

I was shocked.

He usually took at least half an hour to get ready.

Then I saw Celeste waiting in the car, and it clicked.

He didn't want to keep her waiting.

Celeste gave me a sweet smile. "Jade, hop in! I'll drive today. I'm joining you guys to visit his parents."

I turned to Ryan. "You're bringing her?"

Ryan quickly explained, "Don't overthink it. Celeste was alone and feeling down, so I invited her to come along."

"It's just a meal, anyway. We'll head back right after."

I smiled and opened the back door.

He was right—it was just one meal. And it would be the last.

"Ryan, sit up front with me so we can talk,"

Celeste eagerly opened the passenger door.

Ryan glanced at me hesitantly, but only for a second before getting in.

I used to worry he'd feel lonely in the back seat and always told him to sit up front.

But he refused—he'd rather sit alone in the back.

It didn't matter anymore.

I stared out the window as the scenery blurred past, replaying the call I'd gotten earlier from the funeral home.

Mom's body was ready. Tomorrow was her funeral.

They asked if I wanted to add anything to the service, suggesting I discuss it with my husband since spouses typically play an important role in funeral arrangements.

But watching Ryan laugh and chat with Celeste up front, I had no desire to ask him anything. I pulled out my phone and texted the funeral home.

[Remove all parts of the service involving the son-in-law. Keep everything else the same.]