He said yes, then waited on the line long enough that I knew he sensed something else.

‘Seraphina,’ he said, ‘you can change your mind about anything.’ I looked at the dress hanging on the bedroom door and told him I was only tired.

That evening Matthew brought dinner because he knew I had been working late.

He kissed my forehead and said we were going to be so happy.

I wanted to believe him.

I still loved him.