Chapter 5

Gary and I fell in love on our own.

We were interns who joined the company at the same time.

We helped each other through tough situations, especially when we had to take the blame for things we didn't do.

Sometimes, we'd just show up with a hot cup of coffee when the other looked worn out.

By the end of the internship, we were both offered full-time positions- lucky, really.

We started dating seriously in our second year. By the third, we'd saved up for a place and decided to get married.

But soon after the wedding, I got pregnant and had terrible morning sickness- I couldn't keep anything down.

Back then, Gary cooked for me every day, following recipes and doing his best.

Not long after, he landed a major client and got promoted. That was when he suggested I quit and stay home to focus on the baby.

"I'm making enough now. You don't need to wear yourself out anymore. I'll take care of you and the baby- just stay home and take it easy."

He kept all his promises- except when it came to his mother.

But I couldn't see myself as just a housewife forever. When Harley turned one, I wanted to go back to work- but then I got pregnant again.

I wasn't sure whether to keep the baby, but Gary said that since I was already pregnant, we should just have it.

Then he got into a car accident on a business trip. I spent all my energy taking care of him- and ended up losing the baby. I spent six months recovering at home.

As Harley grew older, I mentioned going back to work several times, but Gary always refused.

Harley would cling to me and ask, "Don't you want to be with me anymore, Mommy?"

My heart sank and melted all at once. After that, I stopped thinking about going back to work.

The conviction I once had about being there for my family- I now regretted it just as deeply.

What could I do after divorcing him? After being away from the workforce for so many years, could I still find a job?

I was scared. I was lost. But not once did I consider staying.