The Secret Scar She Never Saw

Summary

Ten years into my marriage, I had grown accustomed to solitude.

Going to the clinic alone, catching a movie or dinner by myself, and even handling the rear-end accident that afternoon—all solo missions.

Staring at the birthday cake on the table, I dialed her number, only to be sent straight to voicemail.

Aurora—Rory—Knight sent a curt text: “Working.”

I lit the single candle, then blew it out, a hollow ritual just for me.

My phone screen flared with a trending post:

The Dedicated Co-Pilot: Guessing if it’s a honeymoon phase or a married couple?