The ring on my own finger felt like a searing ember, so I took it off and threw it into the drawer. Since then, work became my refuge. I busied myself to push aside the churning emotion within. When Adrian would return became a question lost in the whirlwind of activity, a question I no longer cared to answer.
Unexpectedly, he came to the hospital one day to pick me up after my shift. A wave of surprise washed over me as I saw a familiar car parked across the street.
"Why are you here?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. That day was particularly exhausting.
"Did you forget that today is our wedding anniversary?" he answered after opening the door for me.
"Oh," I mumbled, "sorry. I've been really busy and it slipped my mind."
"Madeline, you used to care about this the most, didn't you? How could you forget?" Adrian was stunned for a moment before replying.
In the past, whether it was a wedding anniversary or his birthday, I never forgot. Dinners meticulously planned, decorations painstakingly chosen, all fueled by a need to celebrate and enjoy our time together, to show him how much he meant to me. But, those efforts, once met with smiles and anticipation, were later dismissed as "over the top" and "embarrassing."
I still remembered his words when I decided to throw a surprise party in a restaurant. He said, "Madeline, you're making such a big deal out of this. Everyone's looking at us. It's very uncomfortable, you know?"
I thought he would be happy, but instead, he dragged me away in front of colleagues and friends. So, now, there was really nothing to celebrate. The spark had died out.
"Come on, let's go have dinner and celebrate," he said, ushering me into the car.
As Adrian drove, the silence stretched between us. He stole glances at me, searching my face for a flicker of the old enthusiasm.
"Madeline, what's wrong? Are you upset?" he finally blurted out.
"No." I shook my head.
"No?" he echoed, his voice rising in frustration. "Then why the attitude? Here I am, putting in the effort, picking you up for dinner. Can't you at least pretend to appreciate it?"
"I'm not angry, Adrian."
"Fine!" He let out a long sigh. "I promise, no more contact with Sophie again, Okay?"
I stared at him. Did he really think a simple gesture could erase months of lies and betrayal?
"Are you happy now?" he asked again.