The man I remembered would never have spoken to me like that. Never would have questioned me.
But everything had changed.
Maybe the only way either of us would ever find peace was to let go.
And yet, in that moment, his eyes were red.
Just as he opened his mouth to speak again, Ethel came running out from behind him and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist.
"Nathan, are you leaving? I'll miss you so much."
Ethel let out a cold laugh and walked right up to me.
"So you're the mistress Nathan's been keeping on the side?"
The arms that had been clinging to Nathan slowly loosened. Every trace of warmth drained from her face, replaced by undisguised contempt.
"Sarah, right? Nathan told me all about you."
"And for the record, I'm not the mistress here. Sure, I have feelings for Nathan, but you've already moved on and started a new family. Why shouldn't I take my place beside him?"
"If you ask me, you're the real other woman."
She stepped closer, leaning in until her lips were inches from my ear.
Her voice dropped to a whisper, so quiet it could shatter a heart.
"The one who isn't loved... is the real other woman."