“I meant the marriage became routine.”

“Then say routine. Don’t call me your housekeeper.”

For the first time, Carl looked embarrassed.

Only briefly.

I knew if I stayed there another second, I would either collapse or throw my drink at him.

So I turned to leave.

That was when David appeared behind me.

He looked furious.

“Laura.”

“I need to go.”

“Give yourself five minutes.”

“I can’t stay here.”

“I understand.”

He handed me a glass of water.

“Sit down first. Then decide.”

I don’t know why I listened.

Maybe because my legs were shaking too badly to leave anyway.

I sat in the farthest corner of the room.

David stayed beside me.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

“Did you know?”

“Not about this.”

“Then what did you know?”

Someone across the room called his name.

David looked toward Carl.

Then back at me.

“Stay for ten minutes.”

“Why?”

“There’s something you need to hear.”

Then he walked away.

A few minutes later, David took the microphone.

“We have one piece of company business before everyone gets back to enjoying themselves.”

Two employees carried out a large box and placed it in front of Carl.

David smiled.

“I’d like to recognize Carl for his ten years with the company.”

People applauded.

Carl looked pleased.

For one absurd second, I thought they were giving him an award.

Then he opened the box.

Inside was a framed plaque.

And a large farewell folder.

Across the front were the words:

THANK YOU FOR 10 YEARS, CARL.

The people closest to him stopped clapping first.