Chapter 3Terms of Acquisition

In a coffee shop.

Julian sat across from me, his eyes full of pain.

He said, "Victoria, I..."

He couldn't continue.

I wanted to know, too. Now that I'd found out, what would he choose?

Would he end it with the "better girl"?

Or would he end it with me?

He opened his mouth, and finally, the words came out, strained.

"Victoria, I... I don't think I love you anymore."

I didn't say anything.

But my body betrayed me. My eyes burned.

He panicked. "Don't cry..."

He just stared at me for a long time before pushing the napkin holder across the table.

He let out a breath, like a man relieved of a heavy weight.

"Tess, we got together when we were eighteen. It's been eight years...

"I know I'm an asshole. I'm scum.

"But Victoria... after this long, my love for you... it's turned into something else. It's family.

"Neither of us can fight that."

I asked him, "And her?"

Julian was silent.

"Maybe that will change, too.

"But... I don't want to lie to you right now..."

He looked up, his voice bitter.

"I haven't done anything... physical. If you want, we can stay married.

"But... all I have left to give you is responsibility. And the rest of my time."

How could I describe that feeling?

Sadness? Despair?

I was a prisoner, drowning.

I knew I was going to die, but I had to keep my eyes open and just... wait.

We sat in silence.

Finally, I spoke. "Let's schedule a time. We'll file for divorce."