For thirteen years, Marcus and I built a life together. We had two wonderful children, a cozy home, and a routine that felt comforting and predictable. Lately, though, something had changed. Marcus had become distant, often distracted, and absent during moments that once defined us. I wanted to believe it was just work stress, but a quiet tension had grown between us, one that I could no longer ignore. The dinner was supposed to be a chance to reconnect, and for a brief moment, I thought it might be.