Reclaiming My Life

n. It was Mark, the artist, the other man. He looked pale and nervous

d," he started, the

ma. He walked past Jessica, came right up to me, and kne

my fault. Jessica was just being kind to me, and I took advantage of her.

just like Jessica's. C

ugh. "You've got to be kidding

f accusations and fake apologies, Jessica suddenly

hed out and took her wrist, checking her pulse. It was strong and steady,

at her

," I said. It wa

m went

a high-stakes assignment in Chicago. The same time I had pneumonia and was so sick I could barely get out of bed. I ha

e. Another

piece clicked into place. Jessica's mocki

asked Jessica, my voice dangerously quiet. "You i

f panic and denial. "That's

his face. "The law firm... you recommended a lawyer to Chl

n't just about her affair. It was a pattern

he screaming, Mark suddenly doubled over, letting out a strang

g with him?"

... he has this... device. For, you know. I

sque, so absurd, I cou

d with panic and fury. "Help him!

t her lover writhing on our floo

" I

for this! I'll ruin you!" She dragged him out the door, half-carrying him