That’s the story of my childhood. I know you’re probably wondering what that has to do with anything. In my mind, anytime something good comes into my life, I find a way to sabotage it because I’m damaged. I can admit that. I should’ve admitted that a long time ago and given you a choice.

I love you, Eden. Besides my mother and Josiah, I never loved anyone. That’s why this situation really did destroy me. I know I don’t deserve another chance because I was wrong. But if you give me a chance to get into therapy and fix us, I promise, I’ll never let you down again,” Jermaine said truthfully and sincerely.

He now knew what it was like to be without his wife. He wanted no parts of the single life.

“I didn’t know you experienced something so tragic. I can understand why you kept this from me. I can’t lie and say this won’t be hard Jermaine, but I don’t want to give up on my marriage. I think with counseling, you’ll be able to cope with your childhood trauma, and eventually we’ll be able to put this behind us. Look, I need to process this. I’ll call you in a couple days so you can pick me up and bring me home,” Eden said before ending the call.

“And scene,” Eden said as if she were ending a stage play.

“Bitch you’re stupid!” Eve laughed. Seeing how her sister switched roles was comical and quite scary. It almost reminded her of Envy.

“A man’s pride will always be his downfall. Only a prideful man would believe a woman would take him back with no consequences after sleeping with her sister. He truly believes that all he had to do is tell you how his mother died and there will be no ramifications for his actions,” Marie laughed.

“Sucks to be him. Forgiveness is not on the menu,” Eden smirked.

CHAPTER 10

THREE MONTHS LATER

Jermaine stood at the entryway of his kitchen watching Eden in awe. Butterflies flapped in his stomach as if he had just seen her for the first time. He had seen this sight, her moving around the kitchen like a Top Chef, several times over the years. But now he watched her with a new appreciation. Since starting counseling, he now felt whole and unburdened.

He hadn’t realized how his behavior, views on women, and actions stemmed from childhood trauma. His therapist explained to him that vices such as womanizing, being hypersexual, and addiction were ways of self-gratification to fill the void from his childhood.

He had never thought about that before, mainly because he never thought about it. But after listening to what his therapist had to say, he had to agree that the words she spoke made sense.