So that was why he'd worked so hard to make money. To chase more women.

Back then, I'd cut ties with my own mother to marry him. I'd squeezed into that cramped, run-down rental with him and shared a single cup of instant noodles for dinner.

He was under so much pressure at work that he'd grown gaunt. So I'd hide the only hot dog at the bottom of the noodle cup, then pretend I was full halfway through and push the rest toward him.

When he fished out that hot dog, his eyes went red.

He pulled me into his arms, voice thick with guilt:

"I'm sorry, Elaine. You've suffered so much being with me. I swear I'll make something of myself, and when I do, I'll make up for every hardship you've endured."

After that, he threw himself into work even harder.

Maybe back then, when he said he wanted to give me the best life possible, he'd meant it from the bottom of his heart.

But now, giving his heart to other women was just as real.

Melvin and the others shoved Otis into the wedding suite with a chorus of laughter, then had the good sense to leave.

I stared at the window, eyes locked on the two silhouettes shifting behind the curtain.

Otis had his arm around Vivian's waist. He tilted her chin up and kissed her.

Vivian yanked the curtain open, her eyes locking onto mine with a look of pure provocation.

She'd spotted me.

And I watched them, like a masochist, tangled together right before my eyes. I watched until they were done.

My phone buzzed shortly after. A message from Otis, his tone almost weary with concern.

"Elaine, fighting is one thing, but you just had a miscarriage and your body hasn't recovered. Take your medicine. I already had someone deliver it. Drink all of it."

"Be good. Don't take risks with your health."

He'd noticed how pale I'd gone tonight from the post-miscarriage pain. Before he left, he'd even brewed the medicine himself.

I almost laughed.

Lying in another woman's arms and still finding time to worry about me. How thoughtful of him.

Otis pulled Vivian back down onto the bed, clearly not finished with her.

I twisted the diamond ring on my finger, my gaze hollow.

When Otis and I first got engaged, he'd been broke. He'd drained every cent he had and could only afford a ring with a cheap, flawed stone.

But I'd treasured it like it was priceless. Even after he made his fortune and bought me countless expensive rings, I only ever wore that one.