Chapter 3

The door was closed. Rhys stood outside, speaking. I rose and went barefoot to the door. Rhys often angered me, and we would converse like this, through the door. It had become a peculiar understanding between us. A scent of smoke drifted in. Rhys rarely smoked, only when sadness or frustration overwhelmed him.

He sighed heavily, his voice deep and tinged with stubbornness. “Bridget, I know this has hurt you deeply, but I had to do it. Kaitlin and I were desk mates from kindergarten through high school. We had a deep bond. Although we hadn’t seen each other for a few years after high school, she always held a special place in my heart, and I couldn’t let her down. Last month, Kaitlin was diagnosed…”

Rhys choked up. He hadn’t many days left to live. He leaned against the wall, tears swirling in his eyes, his sorrow palpable. After a while, he wiped away his tears, composed himself, and his gaze hardened. “Kaitlin’s biggest wish before she dies is for me to marry her in a grand manner. Such a small request—how could I refuse?”

“Bridget, you’ve always been gentle and understanding. You wouldn’t be jealous of someone who is dying, would you? I know you’re upset, but surely you understand my intentions? Don’t worry, after Kaitlin’s gone, I’ll spend the rest of my life with you. I’ll work and earn money while you stay home with the children. I’ll fulfill the promise I made, to love you forever.”

I had often fantasized about life after marrying Rhys. I told him I wanted two children, a boy and a girl—my son as handsome as him, my daughter as beautiful as me. Every day, when he returned from work, I would prepare dinner and wait for him with the children at the door.

Chapter (Continued)

“Hello, Kaitlin, why were you crying?” I could hear Kaitlin sobbing on the other end of the phone, even through the door. Rhys, extremely nervous, whispered, “Are you not satisfied with that wedding dress? Wait a few minutes, I’ll come over and help you choose the most beautiful one. I must make you the happiest woman in the world. Kaitlin, I loved you.”

After hanging up, Rhys prepared to leave. He took a few steps forward and stopped. Turning back to the door, his demeanor shifted to seriousness. “Bridget, you have to believe that I’ve always loved you. I’m going to find Kaitlin now, to fulfill her final wish. Once that’s done, I’ll come back and spend the rest of my life with you, growing old together.”

Our eyes met, and I saw sincerity in his gaze. He spoke with earnest gravity. I had just professed my love to two women within a minute, in all seriousness. The corners of my mouth lifted in a mocking arc. It was ludicrous. He claimed to love me, yet earnestly plotted to make Kaitlin the happiest woman.

Watching him leave, I turned and walked away quickly. The moment the door closed, I crouched in the corner, burying my head in my arms, a profound sense of loss washing over me. Then I laughed, the sound growing louder. Seven years of emotions. I had made a mistake. But since he loved someone else, why should I grieve for him? I wiped away my tears. I decided to start living for myself, no longer letting others dictate my life.