When Dani realizes her marriage to Nathan is at risk, she hopes his new job opportunity might be the fresh start they need. However, moving reveals truths about Nathan that Dani never expected.
For nine years, I believed I was in a loving marriage. Nathan and I got married right after graduating high school, knowing only each other.
“We’ll grow together, Dani,” he would say. “I love you, and we’ll build our careers side by side.”
I trusted him, and for a long time, he seemed to honor his promises. After two years of marriage, our daughter Ellie was born. Now, at seven, she brings us so much joy.
Yet, over the past few years, I’ve watched our marriage crumble. Nathan has become critical of my appearance.
“You’ve let yourself go, Dani,” he said. “You never stop wearing those dowdy clothes. How do you expect to keep the spark alive?”
He even claimed I wasn’t a good mother for working too much, despite the fact that I worked from home. I was always with Ellie—except when she was at school.
“You’re glued to that computer screen. Do you even pay Ellie the attention she deserves? It doesn’t look like it. When I get home, she’s never with anyone else.”
Initially, I fought back, expressing my feelings. But I grew weary of our constant arguments.
One evening, while tucking Ellie into bed, I told her, “Do whatever you want,” feeling defeated.
Then Nathan’s behavior changed dramatically. He became pleasant and supportive, and I assumed it was because of his new job.
I didn’t mind relocating; I could work from anywhere, and Ellie was only in first grade.
“It’s a fresh start,” Nathan said, helping me prepare our home for sale.
We moved, hoping for a new beginning that would strengthen our relationship. In the weeks leading up to the move, Nathan researched schools for Ellie and enrolled her in a new one, appearing to have everything under control.
“I’m serious about this move, honey,” he said, handing Ellie a juice box. “This is going to be great.”
But a few weeks after starting school, Ellie came home sad and wouldn’t explain why.
One day, I found her sobbing in her room. “Honey, what’s wrong?” I asked, worried.
“I don’t want Miss Allen to be my mom! I want you to be my mommy!” Ellie cried.
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