Second Chance At A Loveless Marriage

my deathbed couldn't mas

e, her tears a performance, her whispers

it through the night. I'

ly friend I admired, shattered my

tiful, lying face, cold and irr

al air, not in a hospital, but my old bedroom

eal. I w

the loveless marriage, the quiet sac

tarted it all: a party, too much to drink, Emily crying, pr

l's child, using me as a shiel

reaked open. "Etha

breakfast, her hand reaching for my forehea

ly," I said, my voice cold, "We

latly stated, "I don't th

lowed, "I love you, E

rned, her wor

her hand on her stomach. "I'm... I'

d, knowing the

I announced, loud enough for our families d

onfirmed it. The game had just begun,