Time will turn your hair white
together.
Chapter 1
How much did my husband used to love me?
Seriously, the guy proposed like, ninety–nine
times just to get me to say yes.
It wasn’t until the hundredth time that I finally
cracked.
I became the envy of everyone in Chicago as
Mrs. Frank.
On our wedding day, I gave him ninety–nine
“Get Out of the Doghouse” cards.
We agreed that as long as those cards
weren’t all used up, I’d stick around.
Five years into our marriage, every time he
ran off to be with his precious Emily, he’d use
one up.
When he was down to card number ninety-
seven, Frank suddenly realized I was
changing.
I stopped with the crying, the begging for him.
to stay.
I just quietly asked him, when he was losing it
over his ditzy secretary, “If you go be with
her, can I use a card?”
He blinked, a rare moment of guilt flashing
across his face.
r
“Sure, whatever, you’ve only used like, sixty-
something. Knock yourself out.”
I just nodded, letting him go.
What he didn’t know was that it was actually
his ninety–seventh card.
And we only had two left.
- 1.
Five years in, and Frank and I still didn’t have
any kids.
Tonight was the celebration for Frank
Industries landing that downtown project.
It was also the ninth day of us trying to get
L
But when Frank’s little airhead secretary
knocked over the champagne tower,
drenching the client, his first move was to
shield her.
Then, without hesitation, he pointed at me.
“Ashley, apologize to Mr. Thompson.”
I froze, totally stunned.
The client frowned, pointing angrily at
Jessica.
“Mr. Frank, this young lady is the one who
made the mistake. I want her to apologize.”
Jessica’s eyes welled up. She tugged at
Frank’s sleeve like she was about to cry.
<
Frank patted her hand gently, then completely
ignored everyone else and looked at me.
“What are you waiting for? Go toast Mr.
Thompson and apologize.”
“One drink isn’t enough, make it two. If two
isn’t enough, make it three. You need to
make sure he isn’t angry.”
He forgot that we were trying for a baby.
Or maybe he just didn’t care.
People started whispering, giving me these
pitying looks.
Everyone knew it wasn’t my fault.
L
Everyone could see that Frank was dead set
on protecting Jessica.
I wanted to say no, but Frank seemed to
anticipate it, mouthing something to me.
[“Doghouse Card.“]
Frank had proposed to me ninety–nine times
to get me to marry him, and I turned him
down ninety–nine times.
I thought he would give up. But on the
hundredth time, Frank brought all my family
and friends and swore in public.
“Ashley, I will only love you in this lifetime. If
you don’t agree I will continue to beg, until
you agree to marry me.”
L
I was touched by his love for me and agreed.
To return the favor, I specially customized 99
reconciliation coupons on the night of our
wedding.
The agreement was that as long as these
reconciliation coupons were not used up, we
would never be separated.
For the first three years, Frank cherished
them and didn’t use a single one.
Until Jessica appeared, in just two years, he
used 96.
Now, it was the 97th.
My fingers tightened around the glass, turning
<
white as I forced a smile and walked over to
the client.
“Mr. Thompson, my apologies.”
The client sighed, telling me to just take a sip.
But I forced a smile and drank the whole
glass of wine.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Frank
affectionately flicking Jessica’s nose, his
voice all soft.
“Silly girl, don’t run so fast next time. What if
you get hurt?”
Jessica grabbed his hand, her eyes sparkling.
“Okay, boss. You’re the best.”
<
Yeah, real good to you.
The wine burned going down, making my eyes
water.
It’s okay.
I told myself.
There’s only two left.
