As we settled in the quaint café, we continued on in a similar fashion. Owen filled in the gaps of his life. He put a lot of emphasis on his work and how he found fulfilment through his physiotherapist role. With a lot of effort and hard work, he was promoted to the head of his department, which was impressive. He also mentioned how involved he was with his family, and proudly decreed that he was Cooper’s favourite uncle—and only uncle.

The catch-up was surprisingly pleasant. No awkward silences, no strained pauses. It felt like I was with a long lost friend, and in a weird way, I was. The talk was easy with no heavy topics, which I appreciated at first, although we could both feel the inevitable shift starting to occur as our conversation naturally tapered off.

“You want to go for a walk in the gardens?” Owen asked.

I knew it was the end of our comfortable bubble. No more running.

“Yes.”

The gardens were beautiful and expansive, which helped with privacy as we couldn’t see anyone nearby.

My rib cage stuttered as my mind went spinning. I don’t know if I can do this.

Then, his voice cut in. “Breathe, Lex. I will answer anything you ask, and I will be truthful. There is no rush. We can even do this another time. Whatever you want.”

Listening, I inhaled deeply, regaining composure. I was the one who requested the meeting, the one who asked to rehash our old shit. I knew if I left without getting answers, I’d be pissed at myself, so I plunged over the edge and asked.

“How long were you having an affair?”

“It was once. Only with her, and only ever once.”

“Was it premeditated? Were you always interested in her?”

“No, to both.”

“Did you… Did you do it in our house?”

“No.”

“Were you going to leave me for her?”

“No.”

“Did you love her?”

“Never.” Hmm. That one had a bit of bite to it.

I was surprised by his answers. For so long, I had warped so many scenarios in my head that in the end I told myself he must have loved her to implode our marriage. He must have wanted her for a long time to betray me like he did.

Though, with his simple replies, he had just blown those makeshift assumptions to pieces. I was so thoroughly poisoned by my own pain I couldn’t even see the truth anymore. And that was what he was offering me—the truth.

“Can you… Can you start from the beginning?” I asked, staring up at him.

He didn’t look at me, instead gazing off into the distance.