Married for three years, yet my wife always kept her distance. Her excuse? She was a little scared and just not ready. Before my birthday, she promised me a big surprise. I thought she was finally ready, so I booked a five-star hotel, going all out to prepare it just the way she liked it. But as evening fell, she still hadn’t shown up. Instead, I came across a Facebook post from her childhood friend, Ozzy.

"In this vast world, having two hearts warm each other is the greatest happiness." The post featured an intimate picture of the two of them on a large hotel bed. The visible love marks on my wife's skin in the photos felt like a punch to the gut. I decided to let them have their epic love story.

I put down my phone, looking around the room I had carefully arranged, feeling utterly foolish. Throughout our three-year marriage, Alessia always kept me at arm's length. Whenever things started to heat up and I tried to take it further, she always had a different excuse. One day it was a headache, another time it was her period, or she was just too tired from work. Eventually, I had to ask her what was really going on. She hesitated, then said she was scared and not ready. Seeing her so vulnerable, like a scared rabbit, I felt a pang of sympathy. I held her close, softly reassuring her that she didn’t have to be afraid; I could wait. Because I loved her, I was willing to wait until she was ready.

Before my birthday, Alessia mysteriously hinted she had a big surprise for me that day. I noticed some lingerie she’d recently bought in the wardrobe, and my heart leapt with anticipation. That day was finally coming. I went ahead and booked a luxurious five-star hotel, thoughtfully instructing the staff to decorate it according to Alessia’s preferences. I even arranged for a top chef to prepare an exquisite meal, all in preparation for that special moment.

But Ozzy’s Facebook post was a cold dose of reality. Alessia was wearing that lingerie, lying on Ozzy, looking dreamy and shy. Those scattered love marks on her fair skin were glaringly obvious. My heart felt as though it was being crushed, sending waves of dull pain through me. I uncorked the premium wine I had chosen for Alessia and drank it, hoping the alcohol would numb the pain.

Then came a text from Ozzy. "Sorry, I forgot to block you from seeing the post. Don't blame Alessia; I was feeling down and asked her to come over. We're just friends, nothing more."

What kind of friendship involves sharing a bed? Did they really think I was a fool? Before I could respond to Ozzy's message, Alessia called. "Honey, I'm sorry. Ozzy wasn't feeling well, so I came to keep him company. I'll be home soon to celebrate your birthday together, okay?"

This duo was trying to sell me this nonsense. "No need, you two just enjoy yourselves,” I replied curtly, hanging up before canceling the hotel reservation.

Returning home, the once cozy house now felt like a cold shell, devoid of warmth. I collapsed onto the sofa, feeling as if all the blood in my body had turned to ice. Alessia arrived soon after, immediately crinkling her nose. "Albert, did you drink? You know I hate the smell of alcohol."

Hate the smell of alcohol? Yet I clearly saw wine bottles in the photo's corner. I sat up, meeting her gaze with cold eyes, "So, did you have fun?"

Sensing my anger, Alessia moved closer, "Honey, I came back to celebrate your birthday. Look, I got you a gift." She handed me a set of car keys. "You've always wanted a car, right? Ozzy was planning on upgrading, so he sold this one to me cheaply. It's perfect for your commute."

"This is your big surprise?" I laughed bitterly in disbelief.

"You really think I'm that pathetic? Giving me a used car as a gift?" I threw the keys onto the floor with all my might.

Alessia jumped up, hands on her hips. "Albert, what's gotten into you? I generously bought you a car, and this is how you repay me?"

With those words, she turned away and began to cry. In the past, I would have wrapped her in my arms before a single tear fell, offering comfort. But today, that instinct was gone. I brushed past her, retreating into the study and closing the door firmly behind me.

Since our marriage, Alessia and I hadn't shared the same bed. Every one of those countless nights, I spent alone in the study. Staring at the narrow single bed, I questioned the purpose of this marriage. Perhaps it was time to end this one-sided relationship.

I opened my laptop, browsing aimlessly while my mind wandered. Alessia had been my ideal, love at first sight. I was captivated by her vivacious spirit the moment I first saw her. I did everything I could to win her over, offering her everything I had.

Eventually, my persistence wore her down, and she agreed to be with me. The day I announced our relationship, I bought 9,999 roses and promised to love her forever. Her bright smile convinced me that I had won her heart.

Even after we married, though she didn't want to share a bedroom, I tried my best to respect her wishes. But the arrival of Ozzy Jones opened my eyes to the fact that some people could easily claim what I yearned for. It was time to wake up from this dream.

"Knock, knock."

The door to the study creaked open, and Alessia entered, holding a cup of coffee.

"Okay, darling, it was my fault. I shouldn’t have gotten you a second-hand car. How about we go to the dealership tomorrow and buy a new one?"

It was rare for Alessia to swallow her pride like this. She set the cup down and gently leaned against my shoulders from behind, pressing her soft form against me. A sweet fragrance enveloped me.

Alessia's hands wandered over me, rekindling a long-dormant desire with every touch. Feeling a bit lost and entranced, I turned and took her into my arms. She responded willingly, and I traced a path down to her neck.

There, an unmistakable red mark caught my eye, hitting me like a punch as images of her and Ozzy flashed in my mind. Passion cooled instantly, and I pushed her away.

"Leave," I murmured, voice strained with control. "I need to be alone."

Alessia was stunned by my rejection, her lovely almond-shaped eyes filled with hurt. Once, those were the eyes I adored, so full of emotion. But now, they seemed to mock me with indifference.

Seeing that I didn’t react as she expected, a sarcastic smirk appeared on her lips. "Oh, Albert, stop pretending. Haven’t you always wanted to be with me?"

"Now that I’m here, what's with the act?"

I couldn't believe such words came from Alessia. Meeting her dismissive gaze, it felt as if a vibrant flower was wilting right before my eyes.

"No big loss. I'm not dying to cater to you anyway."

The door slammed shut with force. I clutched my chest, gasping for air as tears flowed freely. It felt like my insides were being torn apart.

I wiped away my tears, resolute in my decision. This marriage—this charade—had to end.

The next morning, to my surprise, Alessia was up before I was. She was in the living room, gracefully moving through a yoga routine in her fitted workout outfit, perfectly highlighting her elegant figure.

Seeing me emerge, she paused her yoga and from the kitchen, brought me a breakfast she had prepared.

"Sweetheart, I’ve been thinking a lot about us. I realize I’ve been neglecting you. I promise to love you better from now on."

"I stayed up researching online and found a few cars that would suit you perfectly. Which one do you like? Let’s go to the dealership today to check them out."

Alessia was all sweetness as she handed me the neatly organized car brochures.

Noticing the dark circles under her eyes, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy. After all, years of affection still lingered, and loving her had become second nature to me. I wanted to give it another shot.

"Okay," I agreed.

"Then let's head out as soon as we finish breakfast," Alessia said, visibly excited.

At the car dealership, we started visiting a few brands she had researched. I found a car I had admired for quite some time and was about to take it for a test drive when her phone rang. She glanced at me before quickly stepping out to answer.

After some time, she returned, looking anxious. "Sweetheart, I can't stay with you to choose a car today. Ozzy is sick, and I need to check on him."

Ozzy, again!

Frustrated, I replied, "He's an adult, isn't he? Can't he go to the doctor by himself? Why is he calling you?"

Alessia didn't take that well. "He just got back from abroad and isn’t familiar with anything here. He needs me to be with him."

With that, she ignored me and walked straight out.

I sat bewildered in the test drive car, feeling as abandoned as a stray dog. Ever since Ozzy returned, Alessia had become a different person, constantly preoccupied with him.

Ozzy was sick, Ozzy was moving, Ozzy was sad, and even when Ozzy’s dog was feeling unwell, Alessia had to be there for him. Meanwhile, I’d turned into a nonentity, my needs and feelings invisible to her.

Reflecting on this, I pulled out my phone and made a call.

"Hey, Kolton, I’m in. I’m ready to start on that project anytime."

Kolton laughed on the other end of the line. "Albert, you’ve finally come around! It’ll be a tough project, but if you do it right, it could really pay off."

Hanging up, I felt a sense of relief settling over me. Over the years, I’d passed up many better opportunities to stay by Alessia’s side, dedicating myself to caring for her. They say love is like tending to a garden, and I had nurtured her into a vibrant rose. But her blossoms weren’t meant for me, so why hang on?

It's time to focus on myself; you have to love yourself first before you can truly love someone else.

Walking out of the dealership, I hailed a cab to Ozzy’s place. I needed to see for myself what illness warranted having someone else’s wife by his side every single day.