My voice broke.
“And the day I needed you to defend me, you called me barren.”
He looked at me with tears in his eyes.
I had waited years to see him regret hurting me.
Now that it was happening, I felt no comfort.
Because regret could not erase what he had done.
I turned toward Mama Grace.
“Please take him with you.”
She nodded slowly.
Then she looked at her son.
“Come with me, Kelly.”
He didn’t move.
I pointed toward the door.
“Now.”
Finally, he picked up his keys and walked out.
Nonye followed, holding the envelope against her chest.
Before leaving, she turned toward me.
“Ella, I’m sorry.”
I looked at her.
“I’m not ready to forgive you.”
She nodded, tears running down her cheeks.
“I understand.”
When the door closed, I sank onto the sofa.
For the first time since discovering the affair, I allowed myself to cry without trying to hide it.
