All Chapters of A Marriage Without Boundaries: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

~We tend to think of marriage as a block of time. We got married. This block of time begins, and we hope it continues running until “death do us part.” ~I returned home, my heart heavy and my mind in turmoil. I sat on the edge of the bed, tears streaming down my face. The weight of the deception was crushing. My once comforting space now felt suffocating, the walls closing in around me as I tried to process the betrayal that had shattered my world. I had been tricked and deceived in the worst and most humiliating way. The echo of what he did to me tonight was lower than I could have ever imagined him doing. I can’t believe he thought I would fall for his scheme.How could he do this to me? I thought we had built a life together, woven with dreams, laughter, and an unspoken promise of loyalty. My heart sank deeper as the thought replayed the scene of tonight. It felt like a dagger was being driven into my heart. The love I once knew now felt like a mirage that had slipped through

~Infidelity in marriage takes place due to many reasons, such as an emotional or physical disconnect, lack of confidence or communication, and a desire to try something new or even childhood issues.~ A few weeks passed, and I could finally peel my body away from my bed. I only washed up, drank water, and worked for the next couple of weeks. I forced myself to eat, but it was evident I had lost weight. It took great effort to convince myself that I felt a little better. Besides, Rome kept coming to make amends. I was glad he was trying. Even though I felt like I might go crazy. But I eventually found the strength to try to move on for my baby's sake. The bustling sound of pots clanging and the aroma of sautéing garlic filled the kitchen as I stood over the stove, stirring a simmering pot of marinara sauce. It had been a few weeks since Rome and I had begun to mend the rift between us. I still wasn’t sure what to do now that I’m pregnant. I wanted my marriage to come from under this d

~ A spouse who has been betrayed begins shutting down the desire for a relationship. The one betrayed feels that no one can be trusted.~Jake Sullivan walked out of the courthouse, pushing open the heavy wooden doors with a self-assured smile. "I've nailed another scumbag to the wall." He proudly stated, as the court doors closed behind him with a satisfying thud. The fresh Ohio air hit him like a refreshing wave, cool enough to shake off the fatigue from a long day of legal battles. A smile appeared on his face, a rare sight for someone who usually had to maintain a serious expression as a lawyer. But today was different—justice had been served, and he savored this victory.“Mr. Sullivan!” a voice called, pulling him from his thoughts. He turned to see Lydia, his latest client. She was in her late thirties, her eyes shining with gratitude. Wearing a simple black dress, she radiated elegance and newfound strength. Her friends were gathered behind her, beaming with excitement.“You did

Jake snapped his fingers. “That’s where I know you from.” He had recognized her from the coffee shop. She was the woman sitting there watching her husband flirt with the girl behind the counter. Jake became incensed, recalling that scene. 'I told her that night she would regret not calling me.' Knowing somewhat her situation, Jake wasn’t intimidated by her hurt—instead, he felt a twisted sense of camaraderie. “What? Did you say something?” “No, you are confused right now to indulge my thought process.”“Yes! It's all painfully confusing.” Hailey says, crying one more.“You said you would be fine? A week, a month, a year from now? You are not fine. Look at yourself, you can’t even go home because some other woman is occupying your house, your bed, no doubt. How in the world are you fine? I know I wouldn’t be!” Jake's words made her ball and boo-hoo even more. “Do you have to be so brutal and candid!? She yells amidst her tears.“Yes! Because you need to wake up and face the music.

~Most times in marriage, one party gets so used to giving that they forget how it feels to receive.~Jake arrived at the hospital much later than he had planned because he went shopping in town for Hailey. He purchased a dress with the salesperson's help. He wanted to replace the clothing she wore to the hospital. He selected a garment in his favorite color, purple, along with very expensive panties and a bra for her to wear home. He hoped everything fit. He was pretty skilled at assessing a female's body measurements with remarkable accuracy. Hailey looks to be 34, 24, 36. Jake also brought a pair of low-heeled shoes because he wasn't sure if she could handle high heels skillfully, considering the way she wobbled down the sidewalk that evening he took her to the hospital. He had all her things wrapped in a lovely gift box.He entered the hospital room, giving her the gift box. Hailey wondered why he, a strange man, cared about her when her husband didn’t. What did he want from her, a