He didn’t argue.
For several seconds, we sat in silence.
Then he reached for my hand.
“I know I hurt you. I don’t expect you to forget it just because the reason was serious. I should have found another way.”
I looked down at his hand.
I wanted to forgive him immediately.
Part of me wanted to pretend that none of this had happened because I was relieved that he wasn’t having an affair.
But I knew that wasn’t how trust worked.
“I’m glad you helped Vanessa,” I said. “I’m glad she wasn’t alone. But next time, you tell me the truth about your own actions, even if you can’t tell me someone else’s private information.”
He nodded.
“I promise.”
I studied his face.
“I need you to understand that promises matter only when your actions support them.”
“I understand.”
I wasn’t certain he fully did.
But for the first time since I had discovered his lie, he wasn’t trying to excuse it.
