A Heart Adrift and Bereft of Love

On our seventh wedding anniversary, Harrison Drummond arrives with the woman he's been seeing behind my back.

Tears fill Kate McCauley's eyes. Before I even have a chance to speak, she drops to her knees in front of me.

"Ms. Kershaw, love isn't about who came first or last. Harrison and I care for each other with all our hearts. Please, let us be together."

I turn to look at Harrison.

With a heavy heart, he lifts Kate into his arms. The man who's always obsessed with cleanliness now wipes her tears away, not caring about the mess she leaves behind.

Without raising his gaze, he says, "Kate has been by my side without any official name or title. I owe her that much. Don't worry, she's not after anything else. Having her here is no more than adding an extra pair of cutlery at the table."

With that, he carries Kate into the bedroom and closes the door behind them.

He seems to have completely forgotten that today is our wedding anniversary.

Does he even remember the other woman who followed him without status seven years ago?

I stare at the glowing "Happy Anniversary" sign resting on the table.

In that instant, I realize there is no future left for us.

The cake on the dining table was nothing but a melted mess. The maid's painstakingly prepared dinner had grown cold hours ago.

I grabbed my phone and snapped a picture of the lonely table.

No amount of editing could make it look inviting or cozy.

A bitter smile tugged at the corners of my mouth.

Just as I was about to switch off my phone, a new post from Kate McCauley appeared on my feed.

"Starting today, I'm officially his girlfriend!"

In the photo, she and a man sat in a car, their fingers tightly clasped.

At first glance, I knew it was Harrison Drummond's car. I couldn't believe she was in the very seat Harrison had once promised was meant solely for me.

With a bittersweet smile, I tapped the like button and left a comment.

"Well, congratulations. I guess being the other woman feels pretty amazing, doesn't it?"

I glanced toward the closed master bedroom door, curious to see how Kate would react.

Suddenly, the door swung open.

Harrison stepped out, steam still clinging to his damp skin.

He wore nothing but a towel, hickeys scattered across his chest.

Noticing my eyes on him, he gave a sweet smile.

"Kate was just messing around earlier. Don't take it personally."

Just as he leaned in to kiss my cheek, I quickly pulled away.

Harrison frowned as he sat down across from me.

His voice softened, carrying a hint of affection. "Today was my fault. I went ahead and ordered the latest jewelry and handbags for you. They'll arrive tomorrow. Please don't be mad at me, okay?

"Kate's still young, so it's normal for her to slip up now and then. Don't be so harsh on her. How about you just delete that comment? She's crying her eyes out in there."

I gave no answer. With my arms crossed, I stared at the man I had loved for a decade.

We had been husband and wife for seven of those years.

But despite it all, Harrison's face felt like a stranger's.

Not getting the reaction he hoped for, Harrison frowned. He swallowed his frustration and spoke again.

"Come on, Daisy, don't make such a big deal out of this. I understand it may take you a while to accept Kate, but once you really get to know her, you'll see she's truly kind-hearted. Please, just be reasonable and delete the comment, okay?"

I stared at him, my face unreadable. "And what if I don't? What are you going to do about it?"

Before Harrison could respond, Kate's sobs burst from the bedroom.

She stumbled forward, her eyes red with tears.

"Ms. Kershaw, if you don't want me here, then I'll leave."

Just as Kate turned to walk away, Harrison reached out and pulled her back into his arms.

"You're mine now. Where do you think you're going?

"I was the one who stole your first kiss, claimed your innocence, and bound your heart to mine. You entrusted me with everything dearest to you. Without me, how could you possibly go on?"

Kate's voice shook with emotion. "I don't want to leave either, but Ms. Kershaw doesn't have room for me. Maybe I've been asking for too much. Harrison, please let me go. I'll be far away, silently wishing you and Ms. Kershaw all the best.

"Unlike her, I'm not selfish. I don't want to have you all to myself. As long as you're happy, I'm ready to let go of everything."

Harrison lifted his chin, meeting my gaze with a cold, unwavering stare.

"I'm the one who calls the shots in this house. Kate, don't let anyone else's opinion sway you. As long as I want you here, no one can kick you out."