Lydia’s gut told her something was wrong. She had felt it the moment she dropped Ellie off at Kara’s house. Something about the way Kara smiled—too wide, too perfect—sent an uneasy ripple through her chest. But Mark had rolled his eyes, telling her she was overreacting. Now, sitting in the kitchen, Lydia couldn’t shake the gnawing feeling. The clock ticked loudly, the sound stretching out the seconds. Her fingers curled around the edge of the table, foot tapping against the tiled floor. Across the kitchen, Mark stood at the counter,

I worked double shifts, skipped vacations, and drained my savings so my husband, Jake, could chase his dream of becoming a doctor. The day he graduated, I stood there, my heart swelling with pride. But before I could celebrate, he turned to me and said six words that shattered everything: “You’re not good enough for me.” They say love is about sacrifice. About lifting each other up, facing struggles together, and believing in someone even when they doubt themselves. I did all of that for him. But love, I learned,

My husband always seemed to be “too busy” to fix anything around the house. But when our young, pretty neighbor needed help with her sink, suddenly, he was Mr. Handyman, wrench in hand, muscles flexing, and water glistening on his skin. I didn’t scream. I didn’t fight. But I did plan a lesson he’d never forget. Marriage is about trust, respect, and patience. But nothing prepared me for the moment I saw my husband, shirtless and kneeling, fixing our neighbor’s sink. Funny how he had no time for ours but