After Eight Years of Love, I Finally Walked Away

When Alison Fox miscarries, the blood soaks into the seat of Luke Gilbert's car, and he mistakes it for her period and throws her out in disgust. That same night he hands her the soiled panties of his childhood sweetheart, Hester Pruitt, and lets Hester sleep in their marriage bed while Alison takes her laptop and leaves.

Eight years with Luke have taught Alison that his tenderness belongs to Hester alone. He cooks for Hester, drives an hour for her dumplings, and stays at her side all night, while Alison's own miscarriage goes unmentioned and her calls go unanswered. So she signs the consent form for an overseas project, a commitment of at least three years, and quietly cancels their wedding photos.

When Luke asks her to postpone the wedding and honeymoon for Hester's sake, Alison simply agrees, and his composure finally cracks.