Chapter 3

My mother didn't tell me to talk things through with Adrian again.

I began preparing my divorce papers and applied for several jobs in other cities.

That evening, a friend called. "Nina, I just ran into your husband at the mall. He said he upset you yesterday and was picking out an apology gift for you."

Before I could answer, she continued, "He also said he's throwing Jenna a farewell party for the end of her internship. He should be home to pick you up soon, right? We're waiting at the restaurant!"

Just then, Adrian walked in. "Did you go to your follow-up appointment today?"

"No..."

"It's okay that you missed it. I'll reschedule it for you in a couple of days. I should be free this weekend." Adrian wrapped his arms around me from behind. "Get ready. I've invited my colleagues to dinner for Jenna's farewell party."

I nodded. There were a few things I wanted to say in front of everyone anyway.

I got into his car. The diffuser smelled of sandalwood, a scent I'd told him many times I hated.

A sticky note on the center console, in Jenna's handwriting, read "Drive safely," with a smiley face drawn beside it.

Adrian noticed where I was looking and awkwardly peeled off the note. "Girls like doing this kind of thing. Nina, you..."

I looked away and turned toward the window. "It's all right. I don't mind."

Adrian was taken aback. "How can you..."

I didn't turn back. "You're hosting tonight. We shouldn't be late. Drive."

Adrian looked away and started the car.

At the restaurant entrance, he put an arm around my shoulders. "All right, don't be angry. Once Jenna's internship is over, I'll keep my distance from her."

I smiled and said nothing.

Adrian led the way and opened the door for me. His colleagues waved and smiled at us.

I had barely sat down when Jenna walked in.

She wore a dress I had never seen before. It was beautifully tailored and made of fine fabric, with a small brooch pinned at the neckline.

Adrian's eyes lingered on her for a moment.

As Jenna sat down, Adrian pulled out her chair and handed her the menu. "This farewell party is for you. Order whatever you like."

Jenna ordered her favorite shrimp. When the food arrived, Adrian shelled a few shrimp by hand and placed them on my plate.

I frowned and turned to him. "Adrian, I have gallbladder problems. I can't eat shrimp."

Jenna noticed the exchange and feigned guilt. "I'm sorry. I forgot about your gallbladder. The shrimp is this restaurant's signature dish. I just wanted everyone to try it."

Adrian leaned close to my ear and lowered his voice. "This is Jenna's farewell party. Don't ruin it."

Someone suggested a game to ease the tension.

Everyone had to write down answers about their spouse.

Question one: When did your wife last buy new clothes?

Adrian's answer was last month.

Question two: How much pocket money does your wife get each month?

His answer was 500 dollars.

Question three: What does your wife desire the most?

Save enough for a bigger house.

After reading his three answers, I stood and faced him. "Adrian, all three of your answers are wrong."

The room went quiet.

"I haven't bought new clothes in three years. You cut my allowance to 200 dollars long ago. As for a bigger house, you've spent nearly 50,000 dollars on Jenna. Not one cent of what we saved over three years went toward our future. Every penny went to someone else."

Adrian froze. I continued, "Adrian, I want a divorce."

I picked up my bag and walked out of the restaurant.