Stage 2 - Savoring My Marriage

Stage two: The honeymoon phase is essential, promoting bonding, intimacy, and trust-building. Mother Nature knows what she is doing with this phase. My brain is swimming in

endorphins and sex hormones.

Rome kept me high on that. He used physical contact to manipulate the situation or conversation by skillfully luring me into bed with him.

"I need to finish our dinner, you know.."

"Don't go, not yet."

I  agreed and happily stayed wrapped in his arms by his side. Sometime later, I returned to the kitchen, smiling from ear to ear, contentedly cutting the vegetables and tossing them into the salad bowl. The radio played an old favorite that my Nana used to listen to when I was a young girl—a song called "Holding On."

I swayed my hips to the song, enjoying the music while reflecting on the beauty of my relationship and how I met my husband. After finishing college and getting my teacher's degree, shortly thereafter, my grandmother died. After months of living alone, I was ready for a change. I dated one dud after another. Rome was refreshing. 

We didn't settle for the usual boring dates—no typical dinner-and-a-movie routine. Rome was a vibrant force, lighting up every room he walked into. When he returned from his modeling gig in Paris and asked me out, I was taken aback but thrilled; my heart raced at the thought of being swept off my feet by someone so stunning. I still remember how he smiled, a mischievous spark in his eyes that promised adventure. We were true opposites; here I was, a school teacher, and the most exciting thing I had done was experience a roller coaster ride at the state fair in Ohio. My mind whispered caution, and my heart drowned out the noise, eager to embrace the thrill of the unknown.

Rome was outgoing, loved being the center of attention, and was the life of the party—qualities that could be both a blessing and a curse. Sometimes, I wondered if I could truly match his energy; could I ever really shine in his dazzling light? But as the saying goes, opposites attract. He was the "yin to my yang," and our adventure together kicked off from day one, sweeping me into an exhilarating whirlwind romance. When we set the date for our wedding, Rome tells me, 

"Hailey, I just want to ensure you have everything you've ever dreamed of for our wedding. It's your special day."

"I appreciate that, Rome. It means a lot to me. So, what do you envision for the day?"

"I think it's best if you take the lead on planning. I trust your taste completely. Just remember, it'll be your full responsibility. You'll have complete control."

"I understand, but what about the budget? Should we discuss how we'll handle costs?"

"Oh, don't worry about that! Just cover the costs upfront, and I'll reimburse you. You'll get exactly what you want that way."

"Alright, if that's what we need to do to make it perfect, I'll handle it."

"Exactly! Just imagine how amazing this day will be. I know you'll make it unforgettable." 

After the wedding photos and video were taken, we stepped onto that dance floor. I felt as if the world had faded away. All eyes were on us as we moved to the rhythm, immersed in a happiness I had never known. I was drenched in sweat, my hair lost every curl, my lipstick smudged, and yet none of it mattered; pure joy that made your heart swell and want to burst.

With a laugh, Rome pulled me close, syncing his moves with mine, making me feel alive. I could hardly catch my breath when the reception was over. I had never partied like that before in my life. Exited the building hand in hand, down the street to our hotel—Rome held my flowing white wedding gown to keep it from dragging on the ground. We both were eager to reach the honeymoon suite. The future stretches out like an open invitation.

*******

A few months ago, while sitting at my kitchen table with the late afternoon sun streaming in through the window, I conducted a detailed review of our latest bank statement. Upon examination, I observed a concerning trend: an unusual amount of money had disappeared from our shared account. This observation was perplexing, particularly because I diligently tracked our expenses. As I examined the crumpled receipts from our recent activities—including grocery shopping at the local Romeet, a few modest dinners out, and occasional coffee purchases—I found no evidence indicating that I had been overspending.

A review of household finances revealed that our account balance indicated otherwise, while my husband's purchases appeared typical, with no signs of extravagant online shopping or unexpected expenses. Despite maintaining a careful budget, the financial records raised concerns. The urgency of paying bills added to my anxiety as I noted the declining balance of our account, which we have always relied on for managing our household expenses. This situation prompted the need for an immediate investigation into the causes of these financial discrepancies to prevent any further complications.

I sipped my coffee, and the worry began to creep in. "Oh my God! Please don't let Rome have a drinking problem—or worse, a drug issue!" The fear was palpable, gnawing at my thoughts. "What else could it be? Did he borrow money from some sketchy loan company that is now coming after him? It's just the two of us with access to this account, so if it's not me spending the cash, it has to be Rome. What pushed him to this point? I thought we had a strong, honest marriage where we could discuss anything. So why is he quietly withdrawing money from our account? What could he possibly be using it for?"

This is the worst time for us to be dealing with money issues, drinking, or drugs. And if that's the case, how will I ever plan a family? Will everything be okay? How long has this been going on? I might need to keep a closer eye on him.

I was so overwhelmed with all the what-ifs, and at the same time, I wasn't sure if I was ready to hear his explanation for what was happening. The fear that my worst thoughts could become a reality was too much for my heart to bear. I got up and headed to my bedroom, flopping onto the bed among the cushions. I ran my fingers through my hair and inhaled deeply, closing my eyes. "Maybe I'm missing something?"

Sitting at the edge of the bed, anxiety crept in. Curiosity was eating away at me. This couldn't be the first warning sign, could it? I rushed to our walk-in closet and sifted through his suit jacket. I couldn't pull one out; I noticed a business card wedged between the fabric and the lining. Unsure of its significance, I felt the card's unfamiliar texture in my hand, and my heart began to race. The front displayed the sleek logo of a high-end lounge, but the message on the back sent a wave of nausea rising in my throat.

"Can't wait to see you again. Call me. - Katie 555-0192."

The situation intensified as I experienced a physical reaction characterized by a sudden increase in heart rate and difficulty breathing. Despite the discomfort in my chest, I examined the card again. It became clear that this was not merely a business transaction, indicating a more serious underlying issue. A mix of panic and anger surged within me, leading to confusion and an inability to comprehend the reality of the circumstances I was facing fully.

This prompted an internal dialogue that urged me to confront the individual involved. However, I recognized the importance of obtaining his truth before taking further action.

I momentarily put my hand on my hip, contemplating whether Rome would level with me or conjure another feeble excuse. I grew weary of his constant evasion. This time, I decided to take a different approach. I picked up my phone, hands trembling. I had never done anything like this before, but I couldn't be too afraid to confront this head-on. Determined to dial the number I had for this Katie woman, the mysterious contact I had discovered. I envisioned what the conversation might hold—perhaps clarity or, at least, a straightforward answer without the usual roundabout justifications.

It was time to address this and get to the bottom of it.