2
531words
So he knew that as long as he said he was working in the lab,I'd endure any pain in the hospital alone without disturbing him.
And so,he confidently prepared a candlelit dinner at home,confessing his love to his true beloved.
It felt like a dagger stabbing in my heart.My breath nearly stopped.My phone hit the bed with a muffled thud.
I closed my eyes,telling myself I must've misread.
With shaky hands,I picked up the phone again.
I studied the photos over and over.They were warm,romantic.
The living room's layout was familiar yet strange.Behind them,the blank white wall—where I had begged him to hang our only wedding photo—was empty.
A comment below read,"That candlelit dinner looks so elaborate.Must've taken a lot of effort,huh?A busy scientist finding time for romance?"
He replied,"I've had some free time lately.Scientists are human too.Gotta make time for family."
I thought back to when we were dating,both in grad school.Our"dates"were in the cafeteria or the lab.
Once,a fellow classtame mentioned that a new movie was on,teasing that it was perfect for couples in love.
I got excited,planned our schedules,and bought tickets.
We had just finished an experiment.I eagerly showed him the tickets."Let's go relax this afternoon.Our classmate recommended it."
He glanced at the tickets,uninterested."The lab report's not done.You go with him."
"But the report's not due until next week.We've never gone out..."
He cut me off,irritated."Going out is a waste of time.Unlike you,I don't have a dad who's the institute's director.Everything I have,I earned myself."
I opened my mouth to say my dad had already approved us joining the institute after graduation.
But now I saw—he didn't lack time.It was just a waste to spend time with me.
I never knew Ethan had this secret account.As I scrolled,he posted a new update.
"Took her to a movie.It was kind of boring,but she laughed a lot.A fulfilling day."
The photo showed their hands clasped,wearing matching rings.
I had bought a pair of rings once,simple ones to wear as a couple since he wanted our marriage to be kept private.
He said wearing them would interfere with experiments.
But wearing a ring didn't waste time or hinder work after all.
My fingertips went pale as I gripped the phone tight,calling him repeatedly,heartbroken yet stubborn.
Just as the call was about to disconnect,he picked up.
His voice was gentle,as if afraid to startle me."Stella,what's wrong?Are you feeling okay?Should I come to you now?"
"Where are you?"
"The lab.Where else would I be?"
If I hadn't seen his post,I might've believed him.
He knew if he was in the lab,I wouldn't bother him.
Doubt took root in my heart.
Two voices battled in my mind.
One screamed,"Confront him!Cheating men deserve to rot!"
The other whispered,"Let it go.You don't have much time left."
Then a sweet,girlish voice came through."Ethan,why's the call taking so long?The movie's almost over."
Her voice was sugary,and from the photos,she was stunning.If I were a man,I probably couldn't resist her either.
I hung up,humiliated.
Then I cursed myself.I had done nothing wrong—why feel guilty?
