Chapter 6

Alexis and Kent laughed and joked together, and Kent's face showed a warmth and affection I hadn't seen in years. I stood frozen, watching them walk away hand in hand. A bitter ache settled in my chest. This was the man I had loved for ten years, the father of my child. The love I thought we shared turned out to be nothing but an illusion. My vision blurred, and suddenly, a familiar voice reached my ears. "Ma'am, do you need any help?" I turned and saw Howard standing not far away, holding two bags of groceries in one hand. He looked surprised at my red-rimmed eyes but thoughtfully handed me a tissue. "Here, wipe your eyes." I felt dazed, waving him off as I headed toward my car. He gently grabbed my arm, his eyes filled with a kind of concern that I couldn't quite read. "Let me walk you home." In that moment, I couldn't help but feel disappointed. Any stranger could show concern, yet the one closest to me had chosen betrayal. I remembered how guilty I had felt before for alm