This time, I remained seated.
“I want to fix our marriage,” he whispered.
“I don’t.”
His expression changed.
“Kylie, please.”
“I can’t rebuild a marriage with someone who spent months hiding the truth from me.”
I explained that I’d contacted an attorney.
We would handle our separation respectfully, especially for the children.
I didn’t want revenge.
I wanted peace.
Ryan nodded slowly.
Then he asked about the bracelet.
“You really gave Megan the anniversary bracelet I bought you?”
“Yes.”
“I thought you loved it.”
“I did,” I replied. “But I loved the promise behind it even more.”
Six weeks later, Ryan had moved into an apartment nearby.
We explained our separation to the children together, making sure they understood they weren’t responsible.
There were difficult conversations and tears.
But we remained committed to raising them with love.
Mom recovered completely.
Dawson and I stayed friends.
