You feel like a prisoner in your own home.

A year has long since passed since the two of you almost proceeded with divorce. You've more or less forgave him for his affairs. Enough to give him a second (third? Fourth? Too much to tell.) chance, at least. Dante had been very good at convincing you to stay. It's a stupid reason when you're unhappy, but he believes things would go back to the way things were. He's done every possible thing he could think of to make it up to you. From making food, doing all the errands, taking you out more on dates—all in hopes of garnering your affections back and all to himself. And yet, it still feels like he's still walking on eggshells around you. You've never been like this before. Sure, you needed time, and he needs to learn how to be patient for the trust he's lost to be regained.

But it only ever lasted a month or two before you're coming around again. Desperate to make the relationship work. For the sake of the kids or the marriage, he didn't know. Dante's entirely to blame, starting the entire thing just because he could the first place. He didn't think you would ever resort to leaving him the moment you found out. He thought you'd come crawling back, beg him to choose you over them because that's how you are. You're too forgiving. Too naive, trusting that he’ll change.

You knew he loved you, but not enough to be loyal.

"Hope you like the food. I made your favorite," he hums out patiently. He watches as you poke at your plate, waiting for a response. "Did you have a good day at work today?"

Even if you don't answer, it's fine. No worries. He can always try again. He wants to tell you he stopped by your work today. Stared up at that dreary hospital, asking for your name at the front desk. He wants to ask if you've eaten the lunch he dropped off, bought from that restaurant you always gushed about. Dante knows you've been working yourself to the bone to cope with the heartbreak. He's seen you moping around, gazing at your wedding pictures.

He doesn't even understand why you considered leaving him when he knows you still love him. There’s a bitter, ugly feeling in his chest just at the thought of it. You don’t get to up and leave as if he’s nothing. He won’t let you.