Three Years Married, Love Split in Half

Clarisse took me up on it, sitting across from me.

When Antonio brought the tea, he touched my forehead and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

Clarisse pouted, her voice dripping with jealousy. "Iva, you're so lucky. Antonio is so attentive."

Before I could respond, he grabbed a taco and popped it into her mouth. "Eat your food and quit yapping."

There was no scolding in his tone, just indulgence.

Clarisse chewed, feigning surprise. "It's my favorite flavor!"

I stared at her.

Antonio, catching on, stepped forward to block my view and gave me a taco, too. "Honey, have some."

I took a bite, but the garlic hit hard. I spat it out.

Clarisse and Antonio enjoyed their food, but I dumped mine in the trash.

Antonio noticed it, his face darkening. "Why did you toss them?"

I gave a faint smile. "I don't eat garlic. Forgot?"

My words took him aback. I ignored him and headed to the bedroom.

Clarisse's grumbles came from outside as Antonio sent her away.

He came into the room and held me. "Honey, I'm sorry. I forgot you don't like garlic."

I stayed silent, unsure if he forgot or did it on purpose. He knew I never ate garlic.

It was Clarisse who loved them.

"It's not that I don't like it. I'm allergic," I replied. "Have you forgotten how I had an allergic reaction to garlic the year we got married?"

His body stiffened, and his breathing quickened.

Sure enough, he'd forgotten. His heart wasn't with me anymore.

I was eerily calm, not blaming him or anything.

Our marriage was a business arrangement after all. There was some affection, but it wasn't deep.

Our families were old friends. Antonio and I were childhood playmates.

He went abroad young, and we reconnected at my birthday party.

He was charming, confident, and smooth in business and social circles. I, busy with work, had few friends.

His warmth drew me in. Childhood memories resurfaced, and with our parents' nudging, we got married.

So, his cheating felt inevitable.

But I wouldn't forgive him.

Antonio buried his head in my shoulder, trembling as he apologized, "Honey, I messed up. Please forgive me. I'll never forget anything about you again."

"Sure." I brushed him off, closing my eyes.

Arguing with him was meaningless.

The next morning, I woke to a breakfast spread. All my favorites.

I took a bite and put my fork down.