Part 1: The Calm Before the Storm
I used to believe that my life was the perfect example of a modern love story. I had everything I could ever want— a great husband, a beautiful home, and a dream life. When Michael and I married, it felt like everything was falling into place. We shared dreams, plans, and a mutual love that was meant to last a lifetime. I honestly thought nothing could ruin it.

But then, life had other plans.

Six months ago, Michael took on a new project at work. I saw the stress building in him almost immediately—late nights, constant phone calls, and weekends swallowed by work. I could understand his dedication. After all, it was a big opportunity, and Michael was always one to put his best foot forward. But something shifted. The late nights turned into weekends away, and soon, the whispers of an imbalance in our relationship became undeniable. We were drifting apart.

The first sign was subtle. Michael would come home, but he wasn’t really home. He’d be glued to his phone or his laptop, working late into the night. Conversations with him became brief, lacking the warmth and connection we once shared. I found myself eating dinner alone, sitting across from a man who used to be my partner, but now felt like a stranger. And when I tried to talk to him about it, I got nothing but excuses. “It’s just work, Jess. You know how it is,” he’d say, his words laced with frustration and avoidance.

I tried to be patient. I tried to tell myself it was temporary. But deep down, I knew something was wrong.

Then came the day Michael suggested postponing our vacation. The one that had been planned for months. I couldn’t let it go. We needed this. We needed time together to reconnect, to remember what it felt like to be a couple, not just two people sharing a house and a life.

“Everything’s already booked, Michael,” I said firmly, trying to keep my voice steady. “We can’t cancel. We need this time. We need to fix whatever’s been broken.”

But he pushed back, his frustration palpable. “My project has reached a crucial phase. Or have you forgotten that some of us don’t have the luxury of living off investments?” His words stung, and I was done listening to his excuses.