Chapter 2If Life Were Only Like the First Time We Met

Mark blinked, then scoffed.

"Sarah, are you kidding me? Is this some new tactic you're trying? Divorce? You can't leave me."

He laughed, a sound that mocked the ten years of my youth. I ignored him and texted my lawyer, urging him to hurry.

Mark narrowed his eyes.

"Alright, quit moping around. You'll scare Lily. She's leaving on a business trip tomorrow. Don't make it difficult for her."

I looked at Mark and felt a chill. I'd never been unkind to Lily. Even after I found out about the affair, I tried to salvage what I could of our marriage. But now, they'd put me through hell, taken my baby, and I was being accused of being difficult.

Seeing my silence, Mark added:

"Where's my medicine?"

I glanced toward the kitchen.

"It's in there. Get it yourself."

A flicker of surprise crossed Mark's face. I used to brew his herbal medicine with my own hands. He wouldn't drink it unless I pleaded with him for hours.

He frowned, his tone accusing.

"What's with the attitude? I just didn't pick you up from the hospital. Do you have to be so dramatic?"

I ignored his anger, focusing on the bloodstained ring on my finger, caressing it as if it were my love from ten years ago. I remembered a broke Mark buying me this ring and the shy look on his face. I almost laughed.

Before I could say anything, the doorbell rang. Mark's face lit up as he saw who was calling, quickly pushing me aside. All trace of worry had vanished, replaced by tender affection. It was Lily.

She leaned against the doorframe in a revealing lace nightgown, looking innocent and helpless.

"Honey, I forgot my keys. Can I crash at your place tonight?"

Before I could answer, Mark pulled her into his arms.

"You're not dressed warmly enough. I'd hate for you to get sick."

Lily snuggled into Mark's embrace, giving me a triumphant look. I found their display tiresome. I hated repeating myself. But I’d been brewing Mark’s medicine for seven years.

Mark said he wanted to spend his life with only me. But he was now entertaining a different woman inside of our marriage.