Our daily conversations gradually evolved into a romance. Initially apprehensive, I was reassured by his nonchalance toward our age difference.

Two years into our relationship, we exchanged vows. But after five years of marriage, the cracks began to show. Paul began hurling hurtful remarks, openly flirting with young nurses at the hospital. I chose to ignore it, until one day I discovered his infidelity with a former patient—a woman ten years my junior, already carrying his child. His laughter, as he justified his affair, pierced my soul.