“At first, I refused, and when she insisted, I told her I’d only do it after the baby was born. She agreed to it. I had to pretend I was giving her what she wanted.”
“And you did. I’m out of your life. Now what are you telling me, Alex?” I bury myself deeper under the comforter, wishing I could hide from all my troubles. Why does everything have to be so complicated?
“Nothing has changed, my love.” There’s a faint tremor in his voice. “Nothing has changed about the way I feel about you, about us. The promises I made you at the LaChris are still true. I’m only waiting to get my inheritance, then we can escape to some beautiful place, anywhere you want, where it’s just you and me. We can start over.”
“You’re confusing me. A few days ago, you told me you were unhappy. You made me believe our marriage was over.”
“I didn’t say it was over. I only asked for time apart. To be honest, I feel safer with you away from this place, away from my mother. I felt it was the only way to protect you.”
“Breaking my heart was the best way for you to protect me?”
“Honey,” he sighs, “This is hard for me too.”
A hush falls between us. I don’t know what to say, so I give myself time to think while listening to him breathing and the sound of the clock ticking in the hallway.
“So,” I say finally. “What do you want me to do?”
“I need you to play along. The only way for me to get my inheritance is if I divorce you.”
“Your inheritance is more important than me?”
“Of course not, but I want both. I want my inheritance because it’s my right. My father left it to me. And I want you. You are the most important person in my life. I’ve never loved anyone more than I love you. You know that.”
“No, I don’t. The morning I left, I’m sure you knew I was leaving. And yet you didn’t even say goodbye. You sent your mother to speak to me.”
“I’m sorry. I just… it was hard for me to face you. I also needed to pretend I didn’t care.”
“Well, I received the divorce papers. You know, the ones you left with May. You want me to go ahead and sign them? Is that what you really want?”
“Yes,” he says. “I need you to sign the papers. But it’s not real.”
“You’re wrong. Once I divorce you, itisreal according to the law.” I stare at the suitcase that contains the papers.
“You’re right. It will be a real divorce, but we can get married again. You’ll just be signing a piece of paper.”
“It’s not just a piece of paper, Alex. Your mother will get what she wants.” The thought leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
“So will we. We’ll get the money. After that, we can be together again.”
“And while you’re waiting for the divorce to be finalized, what do you want me to do? Do you want me to sit here and wait for you?”
“No, not really. I’m planning to come and see you. I’ll make sure my mother doesn’t know about it.” He pauses. “I miss you so much. You have to believe that. And I love you. I never stopped.”
“I love you.” My voice drifts into a hushed whisper. “I don’t want us to get divorced.”
“I know, but it has to happen. We’ve suffered enough. The money will give us a chance to live a good life. My mother does not deserve to keep the money my father left me.”
“But we did fine without all the money. We managed.”
“Not really.” His voice hardens. “I’m tired of working as a janitor. I’m tired of getting jobs that are beneath me. I want to rest. I want you to rest. I’m pretty sure the reason we lost our babies was partly because you were so stressed. We could try for another baby without all the stress.”
A realization unfurls inside me.
“Alex, I don’t know if I want to try for another baby.”
I shut my eyes as I wait for a response that takes ages to come.
“Are you there?” I ask.
