He Frowned When I Told Him to Be Safe

Three years into reconciling with Vernon Cumming, he cheated again. His mistress was the same woman from three years ago. When we ran into them at a restaurant, he lied and said she was a client. The next moment, he shielded his "client" behind him, watching me with defensiveness and wariness. I knew he was afraid I'd lose my temper again and hurt the woman he held dear. But I simply stepped forward, straightened his slightly crooked tie, and said gently, "Alright, I understand." "Don't get too drunk. Remember to use protection." After saying that, I suddenly felt my admonitions were unnecessary, so I changed my mind. "Or don't, it's fine." I considered myself gentle and considerate enough. But for some reason, Vernon's face darkened anyway.