Part 1I Can Move Mountains, Yet Not Reach You

When I found out about Kelly’s affair, we were both surprisingly calm.

She shielded the young man behind her, her voice a flat monotone. “Don’t blame him. It was all me. I couldn’t control myself. He’s innocent.”

I nodded, feigning understanding.

That night, Kelly came home and handed me a set of divorce papers.

“I’ve made concessions financially. Take a look. If there are no issues, just sign.”

I tossed the papers into the trash. “Don’t worry,” I said, my tone magnanimous. “I’m not going to make a scene and demand a divorce over something so trivial.”

It was just an affair. In this age of fast-food romance, who hasn’t faced a little temptation? I hadn’t exactly been a saint myself. How could I blame her?

* * *

Kelly froze, a cigarette halfway to her lips. She looked up, her eyes narrowed.

I knew what she was thinking. I used to be the jealous type, the kind who couldn’t tolerate a single grain of sand in his eye.

Kelly had always been a magnet for men. Even in the early, passionate days of our relationship, when she was trying her best to be faithful, there were always shameless guys who threw themselves at her. I used to pick fights with her about it constantly.

But over the years, maybe the passion had faded. Or maybe I was just getting older, too tired to argue. Our marriage had become a stagnant pond, utterly still. When life gets that dull, a little excitement is inevitable.

“Kelly, we’ve known each other for twenty years. We’ve been married for almost ten. The company is thriving, and our parents get along.”

“Do you have any idea what a divorce would mean for us?”

It would mean dividing our assets, and the company’s stock would take a hit. It would mean upheaval for both our families. Our parents were old, with pre-existing health conditions. The shock could be too much for them.

Kelly was silent for a long time. Finally, she said, “I’m just trying to respect you.”

“And your idea of respecting me is to find a lover and cheat on me?”

She frowned. “He’s not a lover! I told you, I’m the shameless one. He knew I was married. He tried to reject me.”

“I get it. You don’t have to explain. Matters of the heart are hard to control with logic.” I decided to lay all my cards on the table. “You’re just afraid I’ll use my position as your husband to hurt him, aren’t you? Don’t worry. I might not have many virtues, but I am generous.”

She studied me, her eyes searching for a crack in my facade. “You really don’t mind?”

“I wouldn’t say I don’t mind at all. But you two are in love.” I sighed dramatically. “True love is a rare thing these days. I have nothing but respect and well wishes for it.”