Five Days to Forever

The new intern assistant, Chloe, posted a picture of a torn bra in the work group chat.

It was pink lace, missing one strap.

Has anyone seen my missing strap? Chloe asked in the group.

However, I discovered the lost bra strap was exactly the same as the bracelet my husband was wearing.

I asked Daniel casually about that pink strap on his wrist. He answered guiltily,

"I just picked it up off the ground. It looked unique, so I wore it."

Nonsense. He'd been cheating on me with the new assistant all along!

I decided to end our marriage in five days.

My mind went blank because of Chloe's messages in the group chat.

"What are you spacing out for? The food's about to burn."

Daniel wrapped his arms around my waist, turning down the stove for me.

He tapped my nose and said,

"Honey, I have to work late at the office tonight. Would you just cook me something quick?"

He acted the same as always, but when I glanced at the pink strap on his wrist, I couldn't help but choke up,

"What's that on your wrist?"

I swore I saw a flash of guilt in his eyes.

"I just picked it up off the ground. It looked special, so I wore it."

I confirmed my suspicion at once that Daniel was cheating.

With that young intern at his company.

Probably out of guilt, he brought me candies from the shoe rack by the door.

"Bought this for you. Don't overthink about the bracelet. You know me, right?"

He seemed to forget I never liked overly sweet stuff. I smacked the candy apple to the floor.

"Daniel, don't treat me like an idiot. Explain yourself, right now."

"When was the first time you slept with her?"

Smack!

Before I processed what happened, my cheek stung with pain.

I stared at him in disbelief. His eyes were bloodshot.

"Emily, stop bossing me around like you're my manager. I've given you an explanation."

"I won't let you slander a young girl just starting out."

So he'd admitted it without me pressing.

It hurt me to realize that he hit me to defend Chloe.

I tried to speak, but he was already storming off, throwing back, "You're heartless."

I shook with rage. Tears finally streamed down my face.

It was time for a divorce.

Daniel and I met in college. We married soon after graduation.

We both skipped inheriting family businesses to start our own company.

From coding in a leaky basement to now being worth millions.

Everyone said we were the perfect power couple, soulmates for life.

And I believed it too, for he respected me, indulged me, gave me the emotional support I needed...

I never expected that he would cheat.

The sting on my cheek was still fresh. A wave of sadness washed over me.

This was actually his first time yelling at me and hitting me.

But it wasn't clueless. Looking back, I realized I'd been blind, trapped in his illusion.

He'd stopped sharing a bed with me ages ago, and refused to acknowledge we were married at work.

When I was sick in the hospital, he hired the best nurses but never visited.

My role at the company was taken away by him on the excuse of sparing me from work. I'd stepped back and played housewife.

He gave me material comfort but never asked what I really wanted.

Thinking about it, I broke down sobbing.

About half an hour later, I called my friend John.

"Is that job offer still open? I can start in five days."

John's voice was excited and eager on the other end.

"Absolutely! We'd be lucky to have you."

I agreed quietly and hung up.

Thanks to John for not prying into my relationship with Daniel, giving me space to heal.

I set a five-day alarm on my phone.

Five years of marriage would be over in five days.

Soon after I'd pulled myself together, Daniel came home.

Reeking of alcohol, looking pleased with himself.

I turned away in bed, but he hugged me from behind, putting chin on my shoulder,

"Babe, don't be mad. I shouldn't have hit you, but you pushed me too far."

When I didn't respond, he pinched my cheek.

"You're cute when you're pouting."

I pushed him away, disgusted. His face darkened.

"Emily, I already explained it all. Why are you still paranoid?"

This time, no screams or demanding for an answer, I just said flatly, "Fine, I overreacted."

He sighed in relief and headed to the guest room.

Before leaving, he turned off the light and left water by my bed.

"Goodnight, honey. Sleep well."

Lying in bed, bitterness filled my mouth.

I sat up, gulped down the water. But it turned out to be straight vodka.

I spat it out, choking, tears streaming.

The burn faded, leaving only numbness.

I couldn't believe he wouldn't so carelessly mistake vodka for water.

Proves he didn't love me anymore.

Next morning, I woke to the smell of breakfast.

Daniel had been waiting for me in the living room.

If not for that pink strap on his wrist, I'd have thought nothing had changed.

He untied his apron and nudged me toward the bathroom.

"Still half-asleep? Hurry up and eat. And come along for the company party's today."

I nodded vaguely, then noticed pink stickers on his nails.

"Your nails look nice. Where'd they come from?" I tried to sound casual.

"It's just from bonding with the new interns, lightening the mood at the office."

"If you don't like them, I'll wash them off."

He started scrubbing his hands in the sink.

I stopped him, forcing a smile, "Keep them. They're fun."

After breakfast, we left together in his car.

In the passenger seat, I stared at the countdown on my phone.

When our company first took off, Daniel splurged on a nice car. He'd pushed me into the passenger seat of it, eyes shining,

"No more hardships for my wife. I'll drive you anywhere!"

And he did drop me off and pick me up every day for months, with flowers and gifts in the car.

But as times go by, he drove me less and less.

"Hey, can you install a baby seat in the car? We've been trying for a baby for so long." He glanced at me.

Just then, I suddenly realized my period was a week late. I might really be pregnant.

Quietly, I paused the five-day countdown, hiding my complicated emotions behind an expressionless mask.

At the party venue, a flirtatious voice called out,

"Mr. Roberts, did you bring a makeup artist to help out?"

It was Chloe, the intern who'd posted the bra photo.

I checked her outyoung, pretty, innocent-looking.

Before I could speak, Daniel said coldly,

"Don't be rude. This is an important guest. Take Emily to the back and get her ready. Be careful."

He hurried off on a call, leaving me alone. His referring to me as a "guest" echoed in my mind.

Chloe led me backstage, smiling,

"Emily, let me do your makeup."

"Believe my skills. Mr. Roberts always says I look pretty."