For ten years I was his wife in every way except for one thing: our official marriage. When I asked for a signature, he laughed, “It’s just a piece of paper.” The next morning, his smile disappeared.

Everyone thought of us as a husband and a wife.

Michael even sometimes portrayed me as his wife.

Except he didn’t have a ring in his hand.

At first, I didn’t pay much attention to him.

Then there were excuses.

“We’re going to get a job first.”

“Now is not the time, too much spending.”

“Let’s finish the renewal first.”

“We have to save a little more.”

I believed everyone’s word.