A Lie in the Name of Care

Cecily had sulked, "You're just jealous. You don't want me to have a good life."

Her words had left me speechless.

She eventually married into the Harris family as she wished, but her life became miserable.

Elmer's abuse and his mother's cruelty broke her.

When she came to me, crying, I gave her money, helped her get a job, and even let her stay in our house, reassuring her that Dale wouldn't mind.

My trust was ironically misplaced. My kindness was twisted into an invitation to share my husband.

I was nothing but a blind fool.

Turning to Dale, I said firmly, "I want a divorce."

...

He froze, then sneered, "Don't be ridiculous. The company is about to go public, and I'll be worth billions. You're 30 and barren. Who else would want you?"

He stepped closer. "Sure, you're good at your job, but without me, you'd be a nobody. Divorce me, and you'll have nothing."

I met his mocking gaze. "I'd rather be a beggar than stay with you. I'll have a lawyer draft the agreement today. Sign it as soon as possible."

Once, he had stayed up all night comforting me after my parents' deaths, even learning professional massage techniques when I mentioned neck pain.

We were equals in love then. Now, he saw himself as superior, even justifying his infidelity.

Cecily, now dressed, got out of bed with a smirk. "You're so possessive. Can you really let go of Dale?"

I ignored her taunt and started packing.

In a fit of pique, Dale smashed everything in sight. "You're not thinking straight. I'm giving you a few days off to reflect. We'll talk when you calm down."

He stormed out, slamming the door.

Cecily grinned, looking down at me. "You're too stubborn. This is just a fling. Every guy cheats. I thought about making him leave you, but if you go, how will I enjoy the good life? You're a hard worker, and I'm sure you can handle my recovery from childbirth. We've been friends for 16 years, and this is Dale's kid. Doesn't that mean you should look after me?"

Her taunt got under my skin, and I struck her across the face.

"You're not worthy of being my friend!" I snapped, slapping her again. "I took you in when you were abused and had nowhere to go. And you repay me by wrecking my marriage? You're disgusting!"

She screamed, collapsing dramatically. The noise drew Dale back.

She sobbed, "Abigail can't handle us being together, especially since I'm pregnant. She tried to hurt the baby."

Her acting was pathetic, but Dale bought it.

After helping her up, he grabbed my wrist roughly and barked, "I told you to cool off. You can't have kids, so what's wrong with Cecily giving me one? That's my child. I didn't ditch you for being infertile. Can't you show some compassion? Apologize to her."

My wrist throbbed, but I refused to back down. "Dream on! Let's wait and see you crash and burn."

His anger flared, but guilt reined it in.