Like how she always sat between us at restaurants. Or how Daniel would get quiet whenever she called. Or that time she “borrowed” my credit card for a spa day and he told me not to make it a big deal.

I ignored all of it. Because admitting it meant admitting I had married someone who saw me as a solution, not a partner.

The clinics are doing fine. Better actually now that I’m not writing those checks every month. I went by one yesterday and the staff asked where I’d been. I just smiled and said I took some time for myself.

I still don’t know what happens next. Daniel hasn’t come by the house. Margaret hasn’t called, which is a miracle in itself. My attorney says we might have to deal with some mess if she tries to claim I promised her that money forever, but he doesn’t think it’ll stick.

Mostly I just sit here at night thinking about that shattered glass on the floor. How one no changed everything. How my husband chose her over me without even hesitating.

I thought I was buying peace. Turns out I was just renting a lie.

And now that the lease is up, I’m not sure who I am without it.

But I know one thing. I won’t pay for their version of family anymore.