Chapter 4 - Six Years Earlier, Ryan And Claire Had Separated
Ryan had not cheated on Claire.
That became important later, though it did not make the history simple.
Six years earlier, their marriage nearly ended.
They had been married three years at the time. Ethan was barely one. Ryan was building a contracting business that kept him away too often, and Claire felt as if she had become a single parent inside a marriage.
The fights became relentless.
Eventually Claire moved with Ethan to her sister’s apartment for almost eight months.
They signed a separation agreement.
Started discussing divorce.
During that period Ryan met Nora Blake.
She worked in commercial interior design and was consulting on one of his renovations. Their relationship started slowly, partly because Ryan was still emotionally wrecked from his marriage.
Nora knew everything.
Ryan never promised her permanence.
But for nearly four months they were together.
Then Claire called.
Ethan had been sick.
Ryan went to see him.
One conversation turned into three.
Then therapy.
Then Ryan and Claire agreed to try again.
Ryan ended things with Nora before moving home.
Nora took it badly but not viciously.
She told him she understood.
She also said:
“Don’t come back again unless you’re absolutely sure.”
Ryan promised he wouldn’t.
Then, several weeks later, Nora sent him one message.
Ryan never received it.
May you like
That was the message that changed the next six years.
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