Chapter 3

I dumped the clothes by the door, ready to ship them off to the dry cleaner, then headed back to my room.

Walter lit up like a Christmas tree when he saw me. "That's my girl, quick as a whip. Make sure Janet's favorite dress comes out spotless, will ya?"

I gave a quick nod, ready to pamper my skin with a new face mask.

I took the tablet from the nightstand and dove into the latest episode of my favorite series.

Walter was glued to his phone, fingers flying as he texted away, probably chatting with someone.

Out of nowhere, a message alert flashed on the tablet. Curious, I tapped it.

Oops. It seemed Walter's messenger was still logged in.

[Walter, you're the best at picking out treats. It's been ages since I've had pastries this good.]

[The place was packed. You really went out of your way.]

Walter shot me a quick look, still typing like a man on a mission.

[If you're happy, that's all that matters. I'll snag some more for you next time.]

[Perks of having a sister like you!]

Janet shot back another message.

[And my sheets? They've got my period stains. You sure Melissa won't mind washing them?]

[If she's not cool with it, it's fine.]

Walter's smile had that familiar, doting twist.

[Don't sweat it. Cold water is the trick, and I wouldn't make you do it. She's got the know-how.]

I froze for a second, my gaze drifting to Walter.

Ever since we tied the knot, I had been the go-to for every little thing around the house, even swapping out light bulbs. No wonder he thought I was so seasoned.

I tossed the tablet aside, done with the sting of those words.

Mask off, Walter leaned in, his voice a whisper. "Melissa, Calvin needs me for a bit. You get some rest, okay?"

I curled up, murmuring a yes.

As he got dressed, I could not help but ask, my voice barely hiding my hurt, "Walter, if you don't make it back tonight, does that mean I play one of my 'forgiveness cards'?"

I looked up at him, trying to steady my quivering voice.

He tied his tie with practiced ease, his smile as unwavering as always.

"You go ahead and use it."

Walter ran his fingers through his hair, seemingly unfazed.

"I'll be back before you know it, no need for 'forgiveness cards' today!"

I watched him, his easygoing air making it hard to keep the tears from brimming in my eyes as I curled up under the covers.

"Mm."

The clock struck 10 at night, and he had promised he would return shortly.

I had someone fetch my favorite pastries from the bakery I adored.

Calvin had just uploaded a picture on social media, celebrating an outing with his girlfriend.

Right then, Walter sent a text.

[Caught up with Calvin, heading back soon.]

Midnight was drawing near.

I scrolled through my old social media posts, stopping at one I shared after accepting Walter's marriage proposal.

I hit the button to bump it to the top of my feed.

[Time sure does fly.]

Walter left a heart in the comments.

Next, he sent over a snapshot of his desk.

[Buried at work, missing my wife.]

I closed the chat with him, my interest waning.

He must have forgotten that the photo he sent was one I took with his phone last month.

It was not from today. He was not just lying; he was brushing me off.

Janet's new post seemed like it was meant for my eyes.

[You said you'd marry me when we grew up, but you went back on your word, and now you're full of regrets.]

Their intertwined hands in the photo made it clear, the mole on Walter's index finger unmistakable.

I sat on the couch, the proposal video Walter made playing in the background, the pastries I had bought beside me.

The pastries I once savored then left a bland taste in my mouth.

Perhaps my tastes changed.

It was not just the pastries I had lost my taste for.

Walter had gone radio silent.

I tossed my phone on the coffee table and started to pack up my stuff.

It was already midnight. I was about to officially run out of patience, ready to use up the last of my so-called 'forgiveness cards.'

Just then, my phone buzzed—it was Walter.

"Melissa, are you asleep? Don't wait up. I've got stuff to handle, and I won't make it home tonight.

"Just use one of those forgiveness cards, okay? I'll bring you some pastries tomorrow. I have to go, bye."

He hung up before I could even respond, leaving me with a dial tone.

I set the phone down, a bit too hard, and knocked over a cup.

Our engagement cup, the one we made together, shattered into two.

Maybe it was a sign that our relationship was broken beyond repair.

I opened the messenger and clicked on Walter's picture.

[Didn't get to say this earlier, but I'm out of forgiveness cards.]

[Let's get a divorce.]

My phone started blowing up right after.