Anna sat back.
“Carol was in love with you before you ever realized it.”
I remembered those years.
Carol had been around our college circle.
She had always been kind to me.
Friendly.
Quiet.
I had never thought of her romantically.
At least not then.
Anna continued.
“She knew you were going to marry me. Everyone knew.”
I nodded slowly.
“Then you got that job offer.”
“Yes.”
“Carol thought it was her only chance.”
I closed my eyes.
“She lied to both of us.”
“Yes.”
“She separated us.”
“Yes.”
“Then she married me.”
Anna nodded.
“But there is something you still don’t know.”
I opened my eyes.
“What?”
Anna pointed toward the second envelope.
“Read Carol’s letter.”
My hands trembled as I unfolded it.
The handwriting was unmistakably Carol’s.
David,
If you are reading this, then I am gone.
I know you will be angry.
You have every right to be.
