My husband invited his ex to our housewarming and told me if I couldn’t accept it, I could leave. So I gave him the calmest, most “mature” response he’s ever seen.

shrunk to keep peace.

Ava had asked me once: “Are you happy?”

I hadn’t been.

I’d just been playing a role.

The Party

Saturday came. The apartment filled with people, laughter, music.

But it didn’t feel like my party.

At five, the doorbell rang.

Everyone went quiet.

Derek moved—but I got there first.

Nicole stood outside. Beautiful. Confident.

“Hi! You must be continue reading …