Valerie

The night I first understood my wife was no longer mine. Valerie worked for an advertising agency for the last 4 years of our 7 year marriage. Things were fairly normal with rare late nights until she was promoted a year ago to executive assistant. That's when our marriage changed. Tonight was a company banquet. The first company event Valerie invited me to in two years. She had spent a week preparing for it. "You need to actually talk to people tonight." She told me in the car. "Don't just sit there like furniture." "I'll do my best." I sighed. "That's what I mean. You always sound like you're enduring life instead of living it." We got drinks and found our table. I sat while Valerie scanned the room with an intensity that made my stomach tighten. A man quickly approached, putting his arm around Valerie with a kiss on the cheek like he owned her. "This is my boss Richard." Was Valerie's introduction. "I'll be right back." They left holding hands. She was animated in a way I haven't seen before, laughing at jokes, touching arms, completely in her element. All the while Richard close by her side. Valerie came to check on me once to promise she would eat with me when the buffet was served. Instead I saw her and Richard in line putting food on each other's plates. Valerie came back to check on me just before the music started. "I'm going to dance." She said. " If you're going to be jealous just go home." An hour later I saw Valerie at the bar surrounded by men and Richard by your side. The drinks taking their toll. The final straw was when Valerie stumbled back and Richard supported her. His hands on her back lower than I deemed appropriate. I approach and removed Richard's hand. Valerie, angrily said to me. "Just go home!" I put my wedding band in here drink and walked out the door. Betrayal doesn't kill love immediately. Sometimes it leaves enough alive to make you feel foolish for still wanting the person who hurt you to be better than the evidence.