We quickly went our separate ways, and I was relieved to leave the house. At work, I tried to focus, but my mind kept drifting back to Paige and her affair. Her words haunted me.
“If you really saw me with Derek, you’d know what I’m like with a man who knows what he’s doing.”
My phone buzzed. A text from Paige.
“Last night got out of hand. We need to talk without the petty nonsense.”
Anger flared, but I didn’t lash out. I simply replied, “Agreed. We’ll talk tonight.”
Her response came quickly. “Okay, see you then.”
At work, I couldn’t shake her cruel words, especially as I visited a store managed by a fit young guy named Phil. Watching him work, I couldn’t help but compare myself, her words echoing in my mind. When I asked Phil how he stayed fit, he gave me a gym card, suggesting I check it out. I stuffed it in my wallet, unsure if I’d ever use it.
At home, Paige and I sat in silence until I finally asked, “Why, Paige?”
A tear slipped down her cheek. “Because I’m not attracted to you anymore. We’ve lost the spark.”
Clenching my teeth, I asked, “And I suck in bed, right?”
She shook her head sadly. “I’m sorry for what I said yesterday. I was angry.”
“Is it true?” I asked, but her silence answered.
“Why didn’t you tell me? Why did you let this go on for years instead of talking to me?” I asked, frustrated.
“I tried at first, but nothing changed. So I convinced myself I had no right to be unhappy.”
I couldn’t believe it.
“You never told me I was bad in bed.”
“But I did mention your weight,” she said defensively.
“How was I supposed to know that meant you were unhappy in our marriage?” I retorted. “I thought it was just a phase.”
“Why didn’t you try to fix us, then?” she shot back.
“I wasn’t the one cheating,” I replied sharply. “If you were so unhappy, you should have spoken up, not stepped out.”
After a moment of silence, she quietly said, “I think we should get a divorce, Artie.”
Her words echoed in my mind. Logically, it made sense, but love isn’t logical. I felt a surge of anger, not just about the cheating, but because I wasn’t the one suggesting the split. I should have been the one to end it, but I was still holding on to hope.