He became more devoted, always checking in.
"You don’t have to worry about anything, sweetheart," he said, pressing a credit card into my hands. "Buy whatever you want. The best for you and our baby."
I thought I had everything. Love. Stability. A devoted husband. Until the changes started.
"I got promoted," Ethan announced one evening. "It means I’ll be busier, Claire. I won’t be home as often."
I smiled, ignoring the pang of disappointment. "That’s okay. You’re doing this for us."
He kissed my forehead. "Exactly. I’ll make it up to you."
And he did—lavish gifts, designer dresses, expensive jewelry. I didn’t notice then that he was replacing his presence with material things. I only started questioning when I told him I wanted to meet his family.
"Not yet, Claire." His voice was firm. "It’s not the right time."
"Then when?" I pressed. "They’re our family too, Ethan."
His jaw tightened. "I said not now."
I didn’t push. Not even when I suggested moving to New York.
"You’ll be bored," he dismissed. "I’m busy every day. You and Liam are better off here."
That’s when doubt crept in. Now, the truth is staring me in the face. He said all those things because I wasn’t his real wife.