She would marry someone else one day.
Not because she wanted to.
Because the cracks became chasms.
Because the love wasn't enough.
Because the man she loved became a man she couldn't recognize.
But that was later.
Right now, the chasms were just beginning.
Right now, they were still trying.
Right now, they were still holding on.
Barely.
---
The one hundred fiftieth week, the cracks became chasms.
Damien and Christabel were trying.
But trying wasn't enough.
And the person who would tear them apart was closer than they thought.
---
The morning started like any other.
Coffee. Toast. Lena's laughter.
But something was different.
The air was heavier.
The silence was louder.
The space between them was wider.
Damien sat at the kitchen island.
Staring at his phone.
Christabel watched him.
"You're quiet."
"I'm thinking."
"About what?"
"The video. The copies. The people who saw it."
"It's over."
"It's not over."
"It will never be over if you don't let it go."
He looked at her.
"How do I let it go?"
"You forgive yourself."
"I can't."
"Then you forgive me."
"There's nothing to forgive."
"Then why are you angry?"
He was quiet for a moment.
"I'm not angry."
"You're distant."
"I'm processing."
"We are here phyically here but mentally you are not"
She walked to him.
Took his face in her hands.
"I love you."
"I know."
"I love you in ways I didn't know I was capable of,or knew could be possible i dont wanna lose you"
Kisses damien after saying that the kisses was so deep it was as if she wanted to merge into damien
He touched her face.
"I know. Because I love you the same way."
"Then stop pushing me away."
"I'm not pushing you away."
"You're not pulling me closer."
He was quiet.
"I don't know how."
She looked at him helplessly and left.
---
That afternoon, Marcus Webb came for another session.
Not at the building.
At the penthouse.
In the living room.
Damien was pacing.
Christabel was sitting.
Marcus was watching.
"You're angry," Marcus said.
"I'm not angry."
"You're pacing."
"I'm thinking ok theres alot on my mind,i cant keep track anymore"
Marcus leaned forward.
"Damien, when was the last time you slept?"
"I don't remember."
"When was the last time you ate?"
"I don't remember."
"When was the last time you touched your wife without flinching?"
Damien stopped pacing.
"That's not fair."
"It's honest."
"It's intrusive."
"It's necessary."
---
Christabel spoke.
"He's trying."
"I know."
"He's doing his best."
"I know."
"Then why are you pushing?"
Marcus looked at her.
"Because his best isn't enough."
The room went silent.
Damien's hands clenched.
Christabel's eyes filled with tears.
Marcus continued.
"Damien, you shot a man. You threatened his family. You made him disappear. You can't undo that. You can't ignore that. You can't pretend it didn't happen."
"I'm not pretending."
"Then what are you doing?"
"I'm surviving."
"Surviving isn't living."
"It's all I have."
---
That night, Christabel put Lena to bed.
Not Damien. Her.
Lena was full of questions.
"Mama, why is Papa sad?"
"Because Papa is hurting."
"Why is he hurting?"
"Because he did something he regrets."
"Did he say sorry?"
"Yes."
"Then why is he still hurting?"
Christabel was quiet for a moment.
"Because sorry isn't always enough."
---
Damien appeared in the doorway.
"She's asleep?"
"She's dreaming."
"Of what?"
"Of you."
He walked to her.
Took her hand.
"Marcus was right."
"About what?"
"My best isn't enough."
"Then try harder."
"I don't know how."
She looked at him.
"Then let me help you."
---
He pulled her into his arms.
"I love you."
"I know."
"I love you in ways I didn't know I was capable of."
She touched his face.
"I know. Because I love you the same way."
"Even after everything?"
"Especially after everything."
First Line of Chapter 195(Teaser):
"The one hundred fifty-first week, the chasms grew wider. Damien and Christabel were falling apart. And the person who would tear them apart finally made their move."