47

Husband and wife had slept in separate rooms last night. They had argued well into the night and realized that no one would give in.

"You realize we are both going for two different reasons, and your reason is selfish and unfair," Matteo had forcefully accused his wife.

"And what have you been in this marriage? Kind and loving?" Diana demanded angrily.

"I tried my best!" Matteo yelled back.

"If your best was enough, we would not be here," replied Diana with a hint of disappointment. Matteo's face fell, as he realized the weight of Diana's words.

"I understand," he said softly, "I'll leave you to it then."Diana nodded silently, turning away to face the window.

Diana had to tell him the truth about her feelings, but couldn't find the words. She had been hurt for so long that her heart had become numb to love.

She had to call Nicholas, about being absent from work tomorrow but she did not know what to tell him lest her secret got out.

This morning, Diana had woken up with anxiety in