LEFT AT MY LOWEST, LOVED AT MY BEST

OND'

r. The low hum of the restaurant was drowned out by the sound of their laughter, but it wasn't the type of joy that came from rea

nd. "Well, well, look who's living the life," David teased as he took the seat ac

, you know, always there for me. But let's be honest, it's not just her love that's keeping thi

, you're saying you're stayi

t something more. I want the life I've always dreamed of. And if I can find a woman who has the status,

you're playing with fire. You're married, Desmond.

's about upgrading. If I find the right woman, I'l

now what they say, the grass

ou can't ignore what's in front of you. Life's

came over to join them. He grinned as he slid into the booth next to D

eyes. "Don't even

"Man, I like your style," Rufus said, turning to Desmond. "You know, marriage is simple. You find

lief. "You're single, Rufus. W

I'm the smart one here. I can come and

"You're not wrong, Rufus. It's all about f

ng more, but remember, it's not just about you. You've got

was clear where Desmond's mind was. He wasn't ready to let go of the lifest

outines. As Desmond left the bar with David, they passed a store window, and David stopped abruptly. "H

nodded. "Yeah, I'll get

l bad, Desmond. At least you're tr

't trying to make things sweet with Jessica, he was just checking a box. But he wasn't

beside her cast a warm glow on her face, and for a brief moment, he remembered why he had married her in the first p

ng his bag and walking over

eyes lighting up. "

ds reaching for the fabric. "Oh, wow, Desmond, this is be

ike it," he said nonchalantly

admiring it. "It's perfect. I feel so

t quite reach his eyes. "You

ed, she looked absolutely stunning. The dress hugged her curves per

flicker of affection. But the feeling was fleeting, replaced by

he said, his

"I can't wait to wear this to our next dinner

She had no idea that for him, it was all part of maintaining the facade the illu

y, mentally preparing himself for the n