died my

3

Terry and I grew up together, with Katherine as our neighb little girl.

Despite the bad blood between our families and the Lynns, dad and Terry’s were war buddies–my father even saved hi Life threw us a curveball when my family hit rock bottom. moved away, and Terry and I drifted apart.

Then came the double whammy: Dad died in a car crash, a Mom landed in the hospital. Desperate times called for des measures, so I ended up with the Shanes.

Terry’s mom played matchmaker, and before I knew it, I be Mrs. Shane.

For a while, we were blissfully happy.

I poured my heart into being the perfect wife.

Terry opened up, admitting marrying me was his dream con

true.

He’d hug me from behind while I cooked, whisper my name during intimate moments. It was everything I’d ever wanted Then Katherine breezed back from college abroad, and our tilted on its axis.

She bulldozed her way into our lives.

12:21

PART 1

Terry resisted at first, but a kidnapping changed everything. When the kidnappers used both Katherine and me as leverage, my terror was a stark contrast to her cool bravery.

Watching Terry rush to her side, I swear I heard my heart crack. “This is payback for what you owe Katherine,” he said, before camping out by her hospital bed.

Soon, he was sneaking off with her.

I’d never seen him so carefree, like a teenager again, living it up with Katherine.

I confronted him, tears streaming, desperate not to lose him. His response? Anger and accusations of overthinking.

That day marked the beginning of the end.

Soon, he stopped hiding his feelings for Katherine and asked for a divorce.

My love for him was bone–deep, maybe fueled by stubbornness. I clung to our fractured marriage like a lifeline.

Only now do I see how spectacularly wrong I was.