“Let’s start over, Art. I’ll act like you never married anyone else, and you can act like I never betrayed you. My love for you is genuine!” Shawna softened her tone when she saw how serious Arthur looked.
She’d always been a dab hand at coaxing and appeasing him, and he fell for it each time. In comparison, nothing I did would make him smile at me when he was angry.
There really was a vast difference when a person loved and didn’t love someone. I couldn’t believe I’d been dumb enough to only realize it after my death.
Arthur was always stoic and severe with me, but he was gentle and tender when he was with Shawna. He could also change his bottom line for her time and time again.
My heart ached at the realization. Then again, I no longer cared how Shawna framed me or how much Arthur hated me.
“You’ve just been discharged. You should rest.” He pushed her away and avoided answering her question. Then, he left.
Shawna stomped angrily once Arthur was gone.
…
Arthur returned to the apartment we shared. As he stood downstairs and looked up at the balcony, he realized it was pitch-black inside.
I’d always left a light on for him, no matter how late he returned, so that it would always light his path. He was evidently taken aback when he didn’t see it on that night.
He entered the apartment and was greeted by a chilly mustiness that came with the place being unoccupied for over a month. He frowned.
“How much longer is your tantrum going to last, Leona? All I did was take you to court. I wouldn’t have treated you like that if you didn’t owe Shawna anything,” he cried in the direction of the bedroom. His tone was filled with scorn and resentment.
