I was realizing that all those years of sacrifice had not guaranteed respect.
For thirty-two years, I had tried to be the wife he wanted.
Now I understood that no amount of effort could make someone value you if they had already decided not to see you.
I placed the tray on a nearby table.
Then I went back into the kitchen, checked that Samuel was comfortable, and finished preparing the food.
When I carried everything outside, Richard smiled at me as though nothing had happened.
“Perfect timing,” he said. “
