PROLOGUE

Prologue:

Marie sat at the kitchen table, watching Aaron as he entered the room. He looked tired and distant, his eyes downcast as he took a seat across from her. She could sense that something was wrong.

"Welcome home honey," she said, trying to sound cheerful.

"Marie, I want to talk to you about something," Aaron said, his voice serious.

"What do you want to talk about, baby? Can't we talk about it after dinner?" Marie asked, her heart racing as she waited for his response.

"No, it's important," Aaron said, his eyes meeting hers.

Marie felt a knot form in her stomach. This was not the conversation she wanted to have.

"Ok, then say it. I'm listening," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

"Marie, I want to end this relationship and get divorced," Aaron said, his words hitting her like a ton of bricks.

Marie felt tears welling up in her eyes, but she fought to keep them at bay. She had known that things had not been perfect between them, but she had never expected this.

"Aaron, can I know the reason?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Marie, I don't love you anymore. I love..." Aaron trailed off, unable to finish his sentence.

"It's okay. I don't want to know further," Marie said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "I will grant you your wish, but in exchange, I want something from you."

"What do you want?" Aaron asked, his eyes searching hers.

"I want to live like a happy couple with you like before, only for two months. Then I will grant you your wish and won't interfere in your life again," Marie said, her words coming out in a rush.

Aaron hesitated for a moment, but then he nodded.

"Ok," he said. "I can do that."

Marie felt a small glimmer of hope stir inside her. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for them to work things out.

And so began the two months that would change everything