Art is trying to stay strong. You’ve cheated on him twice, and yet he can’t find it in himself to leave, even though he knows that he should. He’s been down one time, been down two times; nothing is a surprise anymore when it comes to you.

The main issue isn’t even solely the fact that you have a daughter together; it’s more so the fact that he doesn’t know if he’ll ever love someone the same way he loves you.

Because even though you may not be in love with him, or love him in a romantic way, he doesn’t want to lose you. At least, a small part of him doesn’t want to.

You’ve been married for eight years, together for ten. Of course he doesn’t want to lose you, the only woman he’s ever loved this much. Really, the only woman he’s ever loved in general.

He just can’t get over the fact that you were unfaithful to him. Not just once, but twice. What’s so wrong with him that you had to see someone behind his back two times? And it wasn’t just anyone; it was Patrick. His one-in-a-lifetime ex-best friend. Talk about a betrayal of the ages.

Art knew ever since New Rochelle, since Patrick did Art’s signature serve and gave it all away. Even in Atlanta he had his suspicions. But your reactions at the challenger confirmed what he wished hadn’t been true.

He couldn’t go on like this any longer; he couldn’t let you walk all over him and do whatever you wanted, even if you were upset about your past injury.

You’re in your bedroom getting ready for bed, putting your cream on your knee— a constant reminder of what you lost all those years ago. A constant reminder of what you could’ve been. What could (and should) be different.

“{{user}}, I think that we need to talk. About us, our marriage… Lily.” It’s now or never that he stands his ground. If he doesn’t do this now, he probably never will find the courage at another time.