My name is Claire, and for thirteen years, I truly believed I was living the dream — a strong, stable, and deeply loving marriage. Marcus and I had built what I thought was a beautiful life together, one centered around our family, familiar routines, and those quiet, tender moments that I believed would hold us together forever.
We raised two wonderful children, and to me, our home was more than just a house — it was a sanctuary. A place where love felt steady, trust was unshakable, and commitment was something we both breathed in every day. We celebrated birthdays, holidays, and every little milestone that made our life feel full. Even in the ordinary days, I found comfort in the rhythm of our shared world.
But somewhere along the way, subtle cracks began to form. At first, they were barely noticeable — Marcus working late, saying he was drowning in deadlines and stress. Our long, easy conversations turned into short exchanges, polite but distant. The laughter faded, replaced by silence that seemed to grow heavier with each passing day.
I found myself longing for his warmth, his attention, the spark that once felt effortless between us… but it was slipping further out of reach.
