Chapter 2Where Love Lies Buried

The midnight curfew was a rule established after one of his many betrayals.

He’d promised to abide by it, and for a few weeks, he actually had, turning down after-work drinks and dinners. But he couldn’t turn down an invitation from her.

I had only met Zoe once. When Liam returned for good from London, he didn’t come to see me first. She showed up at my door, asking for a pair of his underwear to bring to him.

It was a blatant provocation. I shoved her out and slammed the door. But her woody, cloying perfume lingered in the apartment we had decorated together over video calls.

From then on, whenever I smelled that scent on him, I knew he’d been with her.

And every single time, Liam had a ready-made excuse.

He’d met with her to discuss a joint business venture.

He’d run into her by chance outside the office and they’d just grabbed a quick lunch.

It was a class reunion; everyone was there.

And each time, he would look me in the eye, his gaze achingly sincere, and swear, “Nothing happened. If I betrayed you, Kaley, may I die a horrible death.”

And I would believe him.

I looked up at the man who had been the centerpiece of my entire youth. All the obsession, the unwillingness to let go… it had all vanished. I couldn't find a trace of it.

Liam was still rambling, and I repeated, my voice flat. “Let’s get a divorce.”

He froze, standing ramrod straight in front of me. It was finally dawning on him that this wasn’t a tantrum. It wasn’t like the other times. I wasn’t throwing things. I wasn't screaming. I wasn’t even pointing out the evidence and demanding an explanation.

I was just calmly ending it.

He crouched in front of me, raising his hand to make that same, tired vow.

“If I did anything to betray you, may I die a horrible death.”

“Then you can go die.”

His eyes widened, the color draining from his face. This time, I didn't rush to cover his mouth, whispering, "I believe you." This time, I accepted his offer.