Chapter 56: Bitter Reminders
Diane’s POV
The gentle Monday afternoon sunlight filtered through the kitchen blinds as I worked at the counter, preparing a cup of herbal tea. Dr. Chen had recommended it for relaxation...something I desperately needed these days. Steam rose from the kettle as I poured the hot water over the tea bag, releasing the soothing floral scent into the air.
I was just about to add a touch of honey when my phone vibrated on the counter next to me. A notification banner slid across the top of the screen, and for a moment, I froze, teaspoon suspended midair.
"Reminder: Liam’s birthday in 2 days."
The tea suddenly lost its appeal.
I set the spoon down with more force than necessary, my jaw tightening as I picked up the phone. Three years ago, I’d created this reminder—set to alert me three days before Liam’s birthday so I’d have time to plan something special. Back then, I’d throw elaborate surprise parties, coordinate with his friends, spend days selecting the perfect gift. Back then, I’d thought we were happy.
Back then, I hadn’t known my husband was sleeping with my sister.
With a swipe of my finger, I opened the calendar app and stared at the notification. For a brief, disorienting moment, I felt the ghost of excitement I used to experience—the thrill of planning, of seeing his face light up with surprise. I remembered how I’d rope Sophie into helping me, the two of us giggling as we arranged decorations or hid presents.
Sophie. The memory soured instantly.
"Delete," I muttered, jabbing at the screen with unnecessary force. The reminder disappeared, but the bitter taste in my mouth remained.
I went a step further, scrolling through my calendar for any other remnants of my life with Liam that might ambush me in the future—anniversaries, joint appointment reminders, dates that had once meant something. One by one, I deleted them, each tap on the screen a tiny act of liberation. By the time I finished, my tea had grown lukewarm.