I never imagined I would marry my father’s friend. And I certainly never imagined that my wedding night would begin with a quiet apology that would reshape everything I thought I knew about love, intimacy, and trust.
“I’m sorry,” he said softly. “I should have told you sooner.”
At 39, I believed I understood relationships. I had lived enough life to know how love usually unfolds and how it often unravels. I had invested years in long partnerships, shared plans, shared homes, and shared dreams that slowly faded. Each ending left its mark. Over time, I convinced myself that lasting love simply was not meant for me.
I did not feel bitter. I felt resigned. Calm, even. Some people find deep partnership early. Others spend their lives circling around it. I assumed I belonged to the second group.
Then Steve stepped into my life in a way I never anticipated.
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