Eventually, though, I realized the explanations had become excuses I was making for someone who no longer seemed interested in treating me like her husband.
She started treating me like hired help rather than a husband, while I cooked every meal, handled all the cleaning, and managed our entire household on top of my own job.
At first, I tried to laugh about it.
One night, I came home after a long day and found dishes covering the kitchen counter.
Victoria was stretched across the couch, scrolling through her phone.
« Long day? » I asked.
« Exhausting, » she replied without looking up.
I stared at the kitchen.
Apparently, her exhausting day had also prevented her from putting one plate into the dishwasher.
I changed clothes, washed everything, and started dinner.
