Mark Evans, the man I had devoted the last five years of my life to, reached out and gently wiped a tear from my cheek. His expression was a masterclass in reluctant duty. “Hannah, honey, you know how crucial this project is for my career. The Toronto expansion is the company’s biggest move in a decade. Two years will fly by, I promise.”
He pulled me into an embrace, his chin resting on the top of my head. I buried my face in his chest, inhaling the scent of his expensive cologne—a scent I now associated with betrayal.
“I’ll video call you every single day,” he whispered soothingly, patting my back. “Silly girl. I’ll miss you too. But think about the future. When I come back as Vice President, we’ll finally have enough to put a down payment on that house in Lincoln Park. The one with the garden you’ve always wanted.”
The boarding announcement echoed through the hall, a metallic voice finalizing our separation. Mark kissed my forehead, a lingering, performative gesture. “Wait for me, Hannah.”
“I will,” I sobbed.
I stood frozen, watching his broad back recede through the security checkpoint. He didn’t look back. As soon as his figure disappeared behind the frosted glass partitions, the weeping woman in the corner vanished.
I straightened my spine. I pulled a tissue from my purse, wiped my eyes dry, and took a deep, steadying breath. The mask had fallen.
I turned on my heel and marched out of the airport, my heels clicking a sharp, aggressive rhythm against the linoleum.
In the back of the Uber, I watched the familiar Chicago skyline blur past the window. The driver, a kind-faced older man, glanced at me in the rearview mirror.
“Seeing someone off?” he asked gently.
I nodded, staring out at the grey highway.
“You look upset. Boyfriend? Husband?”
“Husband,” I replied softly. “He’s gone for a long time.”
The driver sighed, shaking his head. “It’s tough for young couples these days, having to live apart for the sake of a paycheck. But don’t you worry, miss. A good man always comes back to his home.”
I managed a faint, razor-thin smile. “You’re right. A good man does.”
