A Perfect Marriage, Shattered

John’s face drained of color, his composure unraveling in an instant. “I can explain,” he stammered, his voice barely steady. But the words felt hollow, too late to stop the cracks spreading through the foundation of our relationship.

I gripped the ring tighter, its cold edges biting into my skin as I stared at him, waiting for an explanation that might make sense of it all. His rushed, disjointed attempts only deepened the growing chasm between us. As his words faltered, a sinking realization took hold—no explanation could erase the doubt now embedded in my heart. Nothing would ever feel the same again.