ManyWriters

In my third year of matrimony with Ethan Williams, his former sweetheart unexpectedly resurfaced in our lives, now working as a humble retail assistant.
Ethan, filled with compassion for her unfortunate circumstances, acquired the entire establishment as a "reunion present."
His extravagant act became the talk of our social circle. Meanwhile, I, his spouse, became the subject of ridicule—Mrs. Williams, the naive fool.
I remained silent. Instead, I dispatched a courteous floral arrangement to the newly acquired store. Then, dressed in somber attire, I visited his sibling's final resting place to release my anguish.
"Ethan," I murmured, my tears dampening the stone, "I've discovered a means to escape your brother's grip. Though he shares your gaze, he's a different person entirely."
My words lingered in the silence, laden with sorrow, until a recognizable voice behind me inquired: "What on earth did you just say?"

Graveyard Whispers and Store-Bought Love

My health deteriorated rapidly. I couldn't retain any food and spent most of my time vomiting.


I grew increasingly gaunt. Whenever I caught sight of myself in a mirror, I saw the skeletal face and lifeless eyes of my former self—the girl who had always been hungry.


I reflected on Jared and the time he'd invested in helping me recover. How disheartened he would be to see his efforts had been in vain.


"I'm so sorry, Jared," I murmured to my reflection. "You put so much effort into caring for me, and now it's all undone."


I realized this lifestyle couldn't continue. If I didn't change, Jared would surely reprimand me when we reunited.


Yet Ethan, paradoxically, had become my greatest hindrance.


He adhered to his vow to look after me, delivering meals daily and hovering over me like a constant presence. At night, he'd stand quietly by my bed, weeping as he observed the blood I'd coughed into the wastebasket.


Chapter 11