“I heard. What does the note say?”

“I’m afraid to read it.”

“Read it out loud. I’m here for you.”

I take a deep breath and unfold the note to reveal his handwriting—slightly slanted, not too neat but not messy either. I wet my lips and then read. “‘Dear Myla, I remember the first day I met you like it was yesterday. You were wearing a skintight red dress that should have pulled my attention away from the shitty game I’d had, but at that time, I was too blind to realize the woman eating my grapes and drinking a Capri Sun was going to be the one person in my life I needed the most.’” My voice catches on a sob.

“Take your time,” Nichole encourages.

I swipe at my eyes and continue. “‘It’s funny how life works, right? There you were, a complete stranger on my couch, yet you held the key to my happiness without me even knowing. And I took that key for granted. I got comfortable. I grew complacent. And I became a man I don’t even recognize now. You speak of a guy who is neglectful, a bully at times, a selfish prick, and I can’t sit here and deny any of it. I can only nod in agreement. Because you’re right.’”

I let that sink in as more tears fall.

“You okay?” Nichole asks.

“Yes,” I answer and then continue. “‘I forgot who I was. I forgot the journey. I forgot the future. I was thinking of myself and my ego, that’s it. Nothing more. And because of that, I lost you. I made you feel forgettable, like you didn’t matter. But Myla, you are the single most important thing in my life.’” I choke on a sob and take a deep breath. “‘And until my dying day, I know losing you will go down as my biggest regret.’”

“Oh God,” Nichole mumbles.

“‘This letter is not to sway you to give me another chance because I know that ship has sailed. This letter is to offer you some semblance of peace, to let you know that your choice is justified, validated, and that if anyone was ever in the wrong in this relationship, it was me. You know I love you. I will love you forever, but I want you to be happy. No, I NEED you to be happy. If that means walking away so you can find your joy again, then I will. I have.’” I wipe at my tears. “‘I truly hope you find what you’re looking for, that you find someone who can make you smile again, who can put you first, and who can treat you the way you deserve to be treated. Like you are a priceless treasure—because you are. I’m sorry that I got so lost, that I forgot my number-one priority: bringing joy and love to our marriage. I love you, Myla. Thank you for everything. Yours, Ryot.’”

I set the paper down and lean back on my bed as sobs wrack my body.