A Compass, A Betrayal, A Life

pocket of a suit I was taking to the dry cleaners. I smoothed it out on the gr

ing late l

ference that night. He even sent

r seven-year marriage felt perfect, like the sleek, modern hou

er wet nose, sensing my unease. I stroked her sof

. He kissed me goodbye, his lips feeling cool against m

ait up," he said, his

I didn't have a plan. I just drove. I ended up near his office b

building, not alone. A woman was with him, her hand tucked into the crook of his arm. Chloe

caught in

restaurant, one of those places with valet parking and dim lighting. I watched them get out o

wing cold that had nothing

hem at a secluded table, a candle flickering between them. They looked like a couple

o natural. The sight of it

on an uneven patch of sidewalk. I stumbled, my handbag flying from my grasp and

as loud in th

eks burning with shame. That' s when I heard thei

he' s too trusting," Chloe was s

ow murmur. "But we have to be ca

e a slap. I was sensitive. I

The laughter died on their lips. Mark' s eye

ing a step back, his hand

mph in her eyes before she arranged

t. The words were trapped in my

fast and unsteady. I just needed to

ark called out,

tried to pull away, b

xplain,"

ain. "Explain the hotel? The perfume? Or this?" I gestured wildly

well," Chloe whispere

. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling h

ound Chloe' s neck. On it was a small, custom-design

given Mark for our

n shot through my abdomen. It was so i

' s voice sou

sion on his face. Then he made his choice. He held C

hose

nsuming everything. I pressed a hand to my belly, wh

t something warm and wet trickle down my

og, waiting for me at home. My loyal

y of the situation. His face went white

last conscious thought was of the silver compass glinting a