I Stopped Loving Her

Genevieve Rothwell came home the next morning while I was making breakfast.Yesterday had been my birthday. She'd said she would come home and spend it with me, so I'd left work early and cooked a whole spread.I waited until past midnight. Nobody came.If I hadn't seen that photo, I'd probably still be sitting there, waiting like an idiot.When I set my sandwich on the table, she asked, "Where's mine?"I paused. "You didn't eat?"I'd assumed Ethan would make her breakfast, so I hadn't bothered making any for her.She glanced at my plate and sneered. "This garbage? I'd rather go hungry."Before, a comment like that would've stung. I would've rushed to argue.Now I just nodded. "Right. You don't like it anyway."She stiffened, then tossed a paper bag at me."I got you a lighter."After every fight, she'd buy me some little thing as a peace offering. She knew I could never stay mad at her for long. Hand me any excuse to make up, and I'd grab it.I didn't look up. "Thanks."

"I'm not getting any idea," I said, puzzled."Then don't be mad. It's just that on Vanessa's birthday, you happened to be working, so I..."Now I was even more confused. "Mad about what?"That stopped her short. After a long silence, she said, "I'll come home and pick you up tonight. We'll go out to eat."I was about to say I wasn't going when I heard the dial tone. She'd hung up.Genevieve came back to get me and drove us straight to Marlowe's, an upscale seafood restaurant.The moment we stepped inside, the floor manager walked right past me and greeted Genevieve, who was behind me, with deference. "Welcome, Ms. Rothwell. Your husband's already here. He's in the Willow Room."Genevieve's face changed. Before she could say anything, Ethan came out from inside. His eyes lit up when he saw her, and he trotted over like an eager puppy."Genevieve!"Then, as if he'd only just noticed me: "Oh, Felix, you're here too. You've never been here before, have you? Genevieve's favorite th

I sat Ethan down next to Genevieve. Ignoring the panic in her eyes, I pressed a glass into each of their hands and hooked their arms together.I beamed with satisfaction, like a proud parent at their kid's wedding. "Once you two have your arm-in-arm toast, you'll be together forever. Make a good life for yourselves."When neither of them moved, I hurried to reassure them. "Don't worry, I won't stand between you two. I hope true love wins out too."The room went dead silent. Everyone gaped at the three of us. I nudged their hands. "Go on, drink."With that, I walked out of the room with a spring in my step."Felix! Felix!"Genevieve came running after me. She looked frantic, and her lips were trembling. "Ethan and I aren't what you think."I looked at her, puzzled. "What do I think?"She was at a loss for words for a second, then rushed to explain. "There's nothing between us! Really, you have to believe me!"She pulled off the watch and threw it on the floor, then yanked off t

Ethan said something on the other end.After hanging up, Genevieve spoke through the door. "Felix, wait for me at home. Eth- Ethan's having trouble with a client. It's company business, so I need to go deal with it. I'll clean up the mess on the floor when I get back, and I'll bring you that cheesecake you like."I gave a halfhearted grunt, put my headphones on, and went back to listening to Ronan on the other end.When I didn't respond any further, Genevieve finally hurried out, slamming the door behind her.After Ronan and I finished nailing down our travel itinerary, I grabbed the bags I'd packed long ago and headed straight for the airport. On the way, I texted Genevieve.[The divorce agreement is on the coffee table. Please sign it as soon as possible.]After a flight of almost ten hours, I'd barely stepped off the plane when several texts popped up.One was from a coworker: [Your wife came to the office looking for you. Didn't you tell her you took time off?]Another was

"If we just buy any old ring now, it would feel like I was shortchanging you."I believed her without a second thought.It wasn't until she started wearing matching rings with Ethan that I realized what a fool I'd been.Mrs. Rothwell came over and took my hand. "Felix, I know you've been treated unfairly these past few years. But Genevieve has turned over a new leaf. Please forgive her."There was still plain contempt and resentment in her eyes, yet she'd lowered herself to plead with me, just to placate me for now so I wouldn't hurt their precious daughter.I gave a light laugh and pretended to agree. Only then were Mr. and Mrs. Rothwell satisfied enough to go back to their hotel.I went into the hospital room alone. Genevieve was awake and looking at me eagerly."Once you're better, go back home. Stop causing me trouble here."I turned to leave, but there was a thud behind me. Genevieve had fallen off the bed."Felix!"Her eyes were red, her face pale, her voice pleading. "