Chapter 2: The Other Woman

In that instant, the world seemed to fall silent.

The hum of the engine, the chatter of Main Street, even the far-off bark of a neighbor’s dog—all of it faded away. All I could hear was my own heartbeat, pounding like a drum.

So, it’s come to this after all.

Ever since Marcus regained his memory, I’d been anxious every day, not daring to mention anything about Aubrey Taylor.

I, who had never prayed before, even began kneeling at my bedside every night.

The old quilt beneath my knees, hands clasped so tight my knuckles ached. I’d never been one for church or prayer circles, but desperation has a way of making you believe in things you never did before.

I prayed that after these two years together, Marcus would be moved by me and let go of his obsession with Aubrey.

But in the end, he spoke the words that shattered all my hopes.

“Let her come up and talk.”

“My love.”

I heard my own voice, dry and faint.

“There are people everywhere on the street. If you let her up, what will folks in Maple Heights say about us?”

And how am I, as your wife, supposed to face anyone…

Small towns have long memories, and Main Street gossip travels faster than the wind. I could already hear the whispers—see the looks at the next Sunday potluck.

“Don’t worry.” Marcus patted the back of my hand. “With me here, no one would dare gossip.”

Bitterness welled up in my heart.

He always made it sound so simple, but I knew that folks in Maple Heights judged in whispers and sideways glances that lasted for years.

At that moment, Aubrey had already opened the truck door and slid inside.

Like a lively sparrow, she dove right into Marcus’s arms.

She didn’t even hesitate, just brushed past me like I was a ghost, her perfume sharp and expensive.

“You big dummy, I knew you still had me in your heart!”

“Hmph, you insisted on leaving back then, so why come looking for me now?”

“So you’re blaming me?” Aubrey pouted. “Believe it or not, I’ll leave again!”

“Enough.”

Marcus pinched her nose.

“Last time I chased after you, I ended up wrecked—literally. I’m not looking to repeat that trainwreck.”

“You’re still young, but pity me—this ‘old man’ who’s a few years older than you.”

“Hmph.”

I stared blankly at the two of them, so intimate and carefree. My heart thudded in my chest, hot and embarrassed, like I’d walked in on a private joke I’d never understand.

At some point, my vision blurred…

We’d been married for two years, and Marcus and I had always treated each other with courtesy and distance.

Only now did I realize that someone could act so boldly with him.

So the man who always seemed steady and reserved before me could also be so lively and playful.

My chest tightened, and for the first time I wondered if I’d ever really known Marcus at all.