He referred to me as “A disgrace,” but when the massive ballroom doors swung open several hours later, I came into the ballroom in a way he never dreamed I would. The next few hours destroyed everything he held dear.
When we started out, he was supporting me while I was supporting him. It wasn’t until after we got married that I discovered he had no interest in working to provide for himself or his family. So for seven years, I carried all of Ethan’s burden. I worked two jobs, sold anything I could find that was valuable, and sacrificed all the luxuries I was accustomed to so he could have his degree, get his licenses, and obtain a job working for one of the country’s top corporations (Sterling Global).
It was an exciting moment in my life. The company was hosting a huge gala for Ethan’s promotion to Vice President of Operations, and I had been planning this night for a long time. I worked hard for months secretly saving to purchase a beautiful navy blue dress so I could wear it proudly next to him that night and celebrate with him everything we worked for together.
However, less than an hour before we were supposed to leave, I smelled smoke coming from the back yard. My stomach dropped.
In a hurry, I rushed into the kitchen and bolted out the back door.
When I got outside, there was Ethan in a black tuxedo.
Standing by the old barbeque grill, he held a can of lighter fluid.
And in the fire…
Was my costume.
“Ethan?! What are you doing?” I yelled while sprinting toward the flames.
He pushed me back before I could even get close.He coldly said, “Don’t waste your time trying to save it away, Ava.” He added, “Honestly, you fit it perfectly. When trash burns, that’s where it belongs.”
I was confused and through my tears I yelled, “W-why are you doing this? How am I supposed to go with you now?”