I nodded. “I was. Because I love myself enough to know when enough is enough. And I love you enough, in a way, to want you to be happy too, even if it’s not with me.”

Silence enveloped the kitchen. It was a new kind of quiet, one filled with possibilities rather than dread. Lisa shifted uncomfortably, but I offered her a small smile. “This isn’t your fault, Lisa. We were broken long before you came into the picture.”

Matt finally spoke, his voice a mix of relief and regret. “Emily… I’m sorry.”