His words hurt because they were deserved.
I had no defense.
“I betrayed your trust,” I said. “I won’t make excuses.”
He stared at me with an expression I had never seen before.
“Do you love him?”
“No.”
The answer came quickly.
Then I forced myself to continue.
“I don’t know exactly what I felt. I know I was lonely, and I know I made a terrible decision. But I don’t want to build a life with Jake. I’m not asking you to forgive me tonight. I’m telling you because you deserve the truth.”
Tom looked away.
For a long time, he said nothing.
Finally, he whispered, “I don’t know who either of you are anymore.”
He walked out of the room.
I remained at the desk, listening to his footsteps disappear down the hallway.
That night, none of us slept.
Jake’s Final Confession
The next morning, I found Jake packing his suitcase.
