You told me that in Santorini. I meant it. Then you should have acted like it. She looked toward the hallway. Can we at least try counseling?
No. You're not even considering it? No. Her expression hardened. So that's it?
Yes. She stood up. You're going to throw away everything we built because of one night? I looked at her. One night didn't destroy this marriage.
She waited. Your decisions did. She looked away. For a moment, I thought she might leave quietly. Instead, she picked up the folder.
What's this? Don't. She opened it. Financial disclosures? Yes.
You already started separating everything? Yes. Her hands began to shake. This is really happening. It is.
She put the folder down. Then she looked at me. You're going to regret this. Maybe. She seemed surprised by my answer.
But I won't regret protecting myself. She grabbed her suitcase and walked toward the door. Before leaving, she turned around. I never thought you'd actually leave me. I looked at her.
Neither did I. Then she walked out. I closed the door behind her. For the first time since Santorini, the house was completely quiet, and I knew the hardest part was no longer deciding whether to stay. It was making sure Catherine couldn't rewrite what had happened.
The next week was quieter than I expected. Simon handled most of the communication. I focused on work and stayed out of Catherine's way. Then Caleb called me. He was one of my closest friends and his voice sounded uncomfortable.
Patrick, can I ask you something? Sure. Catherine told some people what happened. I already knew where this was going. What did she say?
That you left her alone in Santorini and refused to come back. I leaned against my desk. Did she mention Richard? There was silence. No.
Then you heard half the story. That's what I figured. Caleb hesitated. She said you were furious over a misunderstanding. It wasn't a misunderstanding.
That's what I told her. I appreciated that. Then Caleb asked, "Do you want me to know the truth? " "Yes. " I sent him the evidence Simon had told me I could share privately. A few minutes later, my phone rang. Caleb sounded stunned.
She actually met him. Yes. And she slept with him. She admitted it on your honeymoon. Yes.
He was quiet for several seconds. I'm sorry, man. I'm fine. You don't sound fine. I don't need to sound anything.
He understood. After that call, Catherine started contacting me directly again. The first message was an apology. The second said she wanted to explain. The third accused me of humiliating her by telling Caleb.
I didn't respond. Then she called. I answered because I wanted the communication documented. You told Caleb. He asked me what happened.