Because when she was with Evren, the school building, the playground, the tree-lined path, every corner had been a stage for their public affection.
Though I felt jealous, I never forced her. I held firm to the belief that Evren was her past. She was now my wife, and I was the one meant to stay by her side for life.
But that belief had started to crumble. Time and again, she left me for Evren.
And I was growing more and more exhausted.
Loving her was tiring.
Evren called.
“Morgana got drunk last night. I didn’t feel safe letting her go home, so she stayed at my place.”
“But don’t worry, nothing happened between us.”
Listening to the smug, provocative tone in his voice, I replied calmly, “Oh. Anything else?”
He hadn’t expected that kind of response. After a pause, he said, “Nash, you’re very self-aware. You know, making a fuss is useless.”
“Thanks for the compliment.”
I hung up, turned around, and walked straight into a nearby law firm.
I saw Morgana again on the second day of the New Year.
I was sorting through my mother’s belongings when she suddenly pushed the door open and stepped in.
“Today’s the second day of the New Year, and we’re supposed to visit my parents. I’m going to change clothes. Wait a moment, we’ll go together.”
I didn’t refuse.
After all, my father-in-law and mother-in-law had always treated me well.
Before long, Morgana came out, already dressed and ready to go.
I was a little surprised.
In the past, it would’ve taken her at least half an hour to change.
It wasn’t until I saw Evren waiting in the car that everything made sense.
So it wasn’t about New Year’s customs; she didn’t want to keep Evren waiting.
Evren smiled at me. “Nash, hop in. Today I’ll be your and Morgana’s driver. I’ll go with you to visit her parents.”
I turned and asked her, “You want him to come too?”
Morgana quickly explained, “Don’t overthink it. Evren was feeling lonely at home, so I brought him along.”
“It’s just a meal. We’ll come back after eating.”
I smiled and opened the car door, getting into the back seat. She was right, it was just a meal. The last meal.
“Morgana, you get carsick. Sit in the front.”
Evren graciously opened the passenger-side door for her.
She looked at me with hesitation, but only paused for a second before getting in.
I used to worry about her getting carsick, too.
Back then, I always offered her the front seat. But she would refuse and choose to sit in the back alone.