…
As he opened the front door, he heard muffled voices coming from the kitchen.
One belonged to Bethany and the other to her mother.
Malone quietly walked into the hallway, slowing down involuntarily to listen to the conversation.
You have to tell him, Bethany, Shiovan Flynn said insistently.
The longer you wait, the worse it will be when the truth comes out.
Mom, please.
Bethy’s voice trembled.
That’s in the past.
I’m a different person now.
The past has a way of coming back when you least expect it.
Do you think he Malone deliberately closed the front door loudly and the conversation stopped instantly.
He entered the kitchen with a smile, pretending he hadn’t heard anything.
“Good evening, ladies,” he said, handing Bethany the bouquet.
Bethany jumped up from her chair and hugged her husband.
Her eyes were a little red, as if she had been crying recently, but her smile seemed sincere.
Malcolm, darling, you didn’t say we were having guests, she said, taking the flowers and kissing him on the cheek.
Sio Flynn sat at the table, straight as a string in a strict dark blue dress.
Despite her 55 years, she looked stunning, smooth skin, only slightly touched by wrinkles around her eyes and immaculate hair.
However, her gaze directed at her son-in-law was cold and appraising.
“Malone?” she nodded in greeting.
How’s work at the bank? Still assistant manager? Bethany shot her mother a warning glance.
Mom.
Malone has an important job.
He’s in charge of major corporate accounts.
Malone smiled modestly.
Everything’s fine, Mrs.
Flynn.
Thank you for asking.
Did you decide to visit us on the spur of the moment? I was in the neighborhood and decided to stop by and see my daughter.
Shondaanda replied, sipping her tea.
We haven’t seen each other in a long time.
Not since you got married.
Bethany quickly put the flowers in a vase and began bustling around the stove.
I made your favorite roast, Malone.
Mom’s staying for dinner, right? The tension in the room was palpable.
Shiovanda and Malone looked at each other across the table, each with a polite smile that didn’t reach their eyes.
“Of course,” Malone finally said.
“I’ll just change and be right back.
” He went up to his bedroom, sat down on the edge of the bed, and loosened his tie.
Fragments of the conversation he had overheard were spinning around in his head.
What past was Shiovanda talking about.
What did Bethany have to tell him? In their two years together, Bethany had never been particularly forthcoming about her life before they met.
When he asked, she said it had been a normal childhood and youth without any major events.
Now he realized there were clearly gaps in that story.
After changing into his home clothes, Malone returned to the kitchen where Bethany was already setting the table.
Dinner was strange.
Bethany tried to keep the conversation going, talking about her new projects at the design studio and her plans for the house.
Shy was mostly silent, occasionally glancing meaningfully at her daughter.
“Tell me about your plans for the future,” Shivanda said suddenly, addressing both of them.
“Children, careers? What do you want to achieve in the coming years? Bethany froze with a fork in her hand.
Mom, we just got married.
We have time to think about children.
Malone placed his hand on his wife’s palm.
Actually, Bethany and I talked about this during our honeymoon.
We would like to have children, but we need to get on our feet first.
I’m hoping for a promotion at the bank next year, and Bethany is working on expanding her client base.
Smart.
Shondaanda nodded.
And a bigger house wouldn’t hurt if you’re planning on having a family.
We love this house, Mom.
Bethany said firmly.
There’s plenty of room for us and a child when we’re ready.
Shiovanda took a sip of water and looked intently at her daughter.
Bethany, honey, you know I always want the best for you.
Sometimes that means making difficult decisions and telling the truth, even when it hurts.
Bethany stood up abruptly from the table.
Who wants dessert? I made sweet potato pie from Grandma’s recipe.
Without waiting for an answer, she went into the kitchen.
Malone and Shiovanda were left alone.
The woman leaned toward him and said quietly, “Malone, you seem like a good man.
” “But you don’t know my daughter the way I do.
” “With all due respect, Mrs.
Flynn,” Malone replied just as quietly.
“I love your daughter and accept her for who she is, past and present.
” “That’s noble,” Shyanda smiled.
But it’s easy to talk about acceptance when you don’t know the whole truth.
Before Malone could respond, Bethany returned with the pie.
The rest of the evening was spent in forced, polite conversation about the weather, politics, and local news.
When Shy finally got ready to leave, Malone felt relieved.
At the door, Shy hugged her daughter, then turned to Malone.
“Take care of her,” she said with an odd tone.
“And yourself, too.
” When Sio’s car disappeared around the corner, Bethany pressed herself against her husband, shivering despite the warm evening.
“I’m sorry about my mom.
She can be difficult.
” Malone hugged his wife around the shoulders.
“What did she mean, Bethany?” “What truth was she talking about?” Bethany pulled away and looked him in the eyes.
“Nothing important, really.
Mom just always dramatizes things.
You know how parents are.
They see their children as small and vulnerable, even when they’re all grown up.
She kissed him before he could ask another question and pulled him toward the house.
Let’s go inside.
I’m so tired of this evening.
Malone followed her, but the weight of his doubts remained.
For the first time, a crack had appeared in their relationship.
Tiny, almost imperceptible, but he could feel it there.
The next day, Malone stayed late at work because of a difficult client.
The sun was setting when he pulled up to his house.
As he got out of the car, he noticed a tall man standing at their garden gate.
The stranger was talking animatedly to Bethany, who looked alarmed.
She crossed her arms over her chest in a defensive gesture, her shoulders tense.
Malone quickened his pace.
As he got closer, he could see the man better, about 36 years old, wearing a worn leather jacket with short dreadlocks and a scar across his left eyebrow.
Something in his gaze, both commanding and ingratiating, made Malone instantly dislike him.
“Everything okay, honey?” he asked, walking over to his wife and putting his hand on her shoulder.
Bethany flinched at the surprise.
“Malone? I didn’t hear you pull up.
” The stranger looked Malone up and down, then smiled, revealing a gold tooth.
“So, this is your husband, Be?” He held out his hand.
“Derek, an old friend of your wife’s.
” Malone reluctantly shook the outstretched hand.
Dererick’s grip was firm, almost painful, as if he were trying to demonstrate his strength.
“Malone Flynn,” he said briefly.
“To what do we owe the visit?” Derek shrugged.
“Just driving by, I saw Bee in the garden and thought I’d say hello.
How long has it been?” ” 6?” He turned to Bethany.
“7,” she replied quietly without looking up.
“7 years,” Derek whistled.
Time flies.
You’re still as beautiful as ever be.
Malone felt irritation boiling up inside him.
It’s late.
We were about to have dinner.
Bethany nodded quickly.
Yes, we should go.
It was nice to see you, Derek.
Dererick was in no hurry to leave.
Maybe we should exchange numbers for old friends.
I don’t think that’s a good idea, Malone said firmly, taking a step forward.
Bethany is busy with her new life.
The air between the men seemed electrified.
Dererick slowly put his hand back in his pocket and stepped back.
Of course, I understand.
Maybe another time.
He winked at Bethany.
Take care, B.
And remember what we talked about.
He turned and walked down the street without looking back.
Malone and Bethany watched him silently until he disappeared around the corner.
“Who was that?” Malone asked when they entered the house.
Bethany took off her gardening gloves and threw them on the table in the hall.
I told you an old acquaintance.
How do you know him? Malone noticed that his wife’s hands were shaking.
Bethany turned away and began washing her hands in the kitchen sink.
We knew each other a long time ago before college.
He’s from my old life.
The one I don’t want to remember.
What old life, Bethany? Malone moved closer.
You’ve never told me about your past in detail.
Bethany turned off the water and turned to her husband.
There were tears in her eyes.
Because there’s nothing to tell.
I made mistakes like everyone else.
I hung out with the wrong people.
But I’ve changed, Malone.
I’m a different person now.
The person you fell in love with.
She walked over and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Please, let’s not talk about the past.
All that matters is what’s happening between us right now.
Malone wanted to insist, but looking into his wife’s eyes, he couldn’t.
He nodded and hugged her.
All right, but if that Derek shows up again, he won’t, Bethany said quickly.
I made it clear to him that I don’t want to see him.
He just He was persistent.
Malone held his wife close, feeling her gradually relax in his embrace.
But somewhere deep down, a feeling of unease grew.
Who was Derek to Bethany? And what was this past life she didn’t want to talk about? During the night, Malone woke up with a strange feeling of heat in his body.
His t-shirt was soaked with sweat and his head felt heavy and hot.
He got up carefully, trying not to wake Bethany, and headed for the bathroom.
The mirror reflected his haggarded face with red eyes.
Malone turned on the cold water and washed his face for a long time, but the heat did not subside.
Added to this was a dull ache in his muscles, as if he had been doing heavy physical labor all day.
I must have caught the flu, he thought, swallowing two fever reducing pills.
Returning to bed, he tossed and turned for a long time, unable to sleep because of the discomfort.
His thoughts raced between Derek’s strange visit, his tense conversation with Shiovanda and Bethy’s unclear past.
What was she hiding from him? And was it related to her unwillingness to talk about her youth? Towards morning, Malone finally fell into a restless sleep, but woke up to the alarm clock, feeling as if he hadn’t slept at all.
Bethany was already up and making breakfast in the kitchen.
“Good morning, honey.
” She smiled, placing a plate of omelette in front of him.
“You look pale.
Are you okay?” Malone rubbed his temples.
I didn’t get enough sleep.
My head is splitting.
Bethany placed her hand on his forehead with concern.
“You’re hot.
Maybe you should stay home.
” I can’t.
Malone shook his head.
I have an important meeting with investors today.
Ronald is counting on me.
Then at least take some medicine.
Bethany took a packet of pills from the cabinet.
And don’t overexert yourself.
When he got to the bank, Malone felt worse.
Nausea joined his headache and fever.
He struggled to concentrate on his presentation to the investors, losing his train of thought several times during his speech.
After the meeting, Ronald took him aside.
What’s wrong, buddy? You look terrible.
Malone wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Just feeling a little under the weather.
Nothing serious.
Are you sure? Ronald looked concerned.
Maybe you should go home.
I’ll be fine, Malone replied stubbornly.
It’s only a few hours left before the end of the workday.
However, closer to lunchtime, his condition deteriorated rapidly.
Standing at the photocopier, Malone suddenly felt the room spinning before his eyes.
The last thing he remembered was the alarmed face of a colleague and the sensation of falling.
He came to on the sofa in the breakroom.
Ronald was sitting next to him and the office nurse was leaning over them.
“What happened?” Malone muttered trying to sit up.
You lost consciousness, Ronald said.
Seriously.
You scared us all to death.
The nurse adjusted the compress on his forehead.
You have a high temperature, Mr.
Flynn.
I recommend you see a doctor.
Malone tried to stand up.
It’s just the flu or something.
I’ll take some medicine and no.
And Ronald said firmly.
I’m taking you to the hospital right now.
That’s final.
Seeing his friend’s determined look, Malone gave in.
Ronald helped him to the car and sat him in the passenger seat.
“Did you call Bethany?” Malone asked as they pulled out of the parking lot.
“Yes, she’ll meet us at the hospital,” Ronald replied.
“She’s very worried.
” On the way, Malone closed his eyes.
The fever wouldn’t break, and the pain in his muscles was compounded by a strange rash on his chest that he had noticed in the office.
Anxiety was growing inside him.
This was clearly something more serious than the usual flu.
You know, Ronald said quietly without taking his eyes off the road.
Sometimes I think we’re too fanatical about our work.
Health is more important.
Malone smiled weakly.
Says the man who spends 12 hours a day in the office.
That’s exactly what I mean.
Ronald replied seriously.
We both pay for health insurance.
Let’s at least use it when we need it.
A worried Bethany was waiting for them in the hospital.
emergency room.
When she saw her husband’s condition, she turned pale.
My god, Malone, why didn’t you tell me you felt so bad? Malone wanted to answer, but another wave of dizziness forced him to lean against the wall.
A nurse quickly wheeled over a stretcher chair.
Let’s get the patient seated.
We need to take his temperature and blood pressure.
The next two hours were spent in a flurry of medical procedures.
Malone was examined by the doctor on duty, had blood tests taken, and underwent a chest X-ray.
All this time, Bethany stayed by his side, holding his hand and trying to cheer him up.
But Malone noticed a strange expression in her eyes, not just concern, but something like fear or even guilt.
Dr. Quentyn Moore looked closely at the test results in his hands, then glanced at Malone Flynn, who was sitting across from him in the small office.
Bethany nervously fiddled with the strap of her purse as she sat next to her husband.
“Outside, rain began to fall, the drops tapping against the window with monotonous insistence.
” “Mr.
Flynn,” Dr. Moore began, folding his hands on the table.
“I have the results of your tests.
I’m afraid the news is not very good.
” Malone sat up straight in his chair, intuitively sensing the seriousness of the moment.
“What’s wrong with me, doctor?” Dr. Moore took a deep breath.
Mr.
Flynn, the test showed the presence of the human immuno deficiency virus.
You are HIV positive.
The doctor’s words hung in the air like heavy lead.
Malone felt the blood drain from his face.
Beside him, Bethany gasped and froze.
This is some kind of mistake.
Malone squeezed the armrests of the chair.
Check the tests again.
I couldn’t.
I never Dr. Moore shook his head.
We ran several types of tests, including an amuninoassay and a confirmatory western blot.
The results are conclusive.
The virus is present in your blood.
Malone felt his insides clench in horror.
HIV.
Three letters that crossed out his entire future.
All his plans, all his hopes.
But how? He whispered.
I’ve always been careful.
Before Bethany, I only had two partners, and we always used protection.
He looked at his wife, who sat frozen like a statue.
Her face showed nothing.
No shock, no fear, no sympathy, just numbness.
Dr. Moore adjusted his glasses and continued, “HIV can be transmitted in various ways.
Through unprotected sexual contact, through blood, including the use of unsterile medical instruments or needles, through transfusions of infected blood.
” “No.
” Malone shook his head.
“None of that applies to me.
I’ve never used drugs, never had a tattoo in a questionable place, never.
He faltered, suddenly realizing another possibility.
He slowly turned to Bethany, who finally met his gaze.
Her eyes were filled with undisguised fear.
Bethany, he whispered, and his wife’s name sounded like a question, a plea to disprove his terrible suspicion.
Dr. Moore cleared his throat delicately.
Mrs.
Flynn, I would recommend that you also get tested.
As Mr.
Flynn’s spouse, you are at risk.
Bethany nodded slowly, her eyes fixed on her husband.
Yes, of course, I’ll get tested.
The next half hour passed in a fog.
Dr. Moore talked about current treatments, anti-retroviral therapy, and how with the right approach, it was possible to live a long and relatively healthy life.
He talked about the need for regular checkups, proper nutrition, and how to minimize the risk of transmitting the virus.
Malone heard his words, but they didn’t seem to register.
Bouncing off a wall of shock and denial.
Your CD4 plus T cell count is good, which indicates that you are in the early stages of infection, Dr. Moore explained.
That’s good news.
The sooner we start treatment, the better the results will be.
When they finally left the office, Malone felt completely devastated.
He held a folder with information brochures, prescriptions, and referrals for additional tests in his hands.
Bethany walked beside him, but it was as if an invisible wall had grown between them.
They sat in the car for a long time in silence.
The rain grew heavier, drumming on the roof and creating the illusion of being cut off from the outside world.
Finally, Malone turned to his wife.
“Was it you?” he asked bluntly, unable to bear the uncertainty any longer.
Did you infect me? Bethany flinched as if she had been slapped.
What? No, of course not.
How could you even think that? What am I supposed to think, Bethany? Malone’s voice trembled with tension.
I have HIV.
I’ve never used drugs or had casual sex.
The only person I’ve been close to for the last 2 years is you, Malone.
I swear I didn’t know.
Bethany reached out to him, but he pulled away.
I’m in shock myself.
I’ve never been tested for HIV, but I feel healthy.
I don’t have any symptoms.
HIV can lie dormant for years, Malone said bitterly.
You could have been infected and not even know it.
But even if that’s true, Bethany said desperately.
It was unintentional.
I would never hurt you on purpose.
Malone started the engine and drove out of the hospital parking lot.
They were silent the whole way home, each lost in their own thoughts.
From time to time, Bethany glanced at her husband anxiously, but didn’t dare break the silence.
The next few days passed in a strange stuper.
Malone took time off work, citing illness, but not telling the truth.
Bethany got tested for HIV, and they waited agonizingly for the results.
The atmosphere at home was oppressive.
They hardly spoke, avoiding physical contact as if struck by a sudden curse.
Malone spent hours on the internet reading about HIV, how it was transmitted, the symptoms, and life expectancy.
The information was contradictory, ranging from encouraging articles about modern treatments to horror stories about side effects and complications.
It all made his head spin.
On the third day after receiving the diagnosis, the phone rang.
Bethany picked up the receiver and Malone saw her turn pale as she listened to the caller.
When she hung up, she stood motionless for a few seconds, staring into space.
“It’s the hospital,” she said quietly.
“My results are in.
They’re negative.
I don’t have HIV.
” Malone felt the ground slip away from under his feet.
“If Bethany wasn’t infected, then where did he get the virus?” “It didn’t make sense.
” “Are you sure?” he asked, trying to process the information.
They couldn’t have mixed up the results.
I asked them myself, Bethany shook her head.
They doublech checked.
The result is definitely negative.
Malone collapsed onto the sofa, wrapping his arms around his head.
I don’t understand.
How is this possible? If not you, then who? And when? Bethany sat down carefully next to him.
Maybe it’s a mistake.
Maybe your tests were wrong.
Three different tests, Bethany, Malone said with a bitter smile.
They all showed the same thing.
Then, Bethany hesitated.
Maybe it happened before we met.
HIV can take a long time to show up.
Or, Malone said slowly, looking her straight in the eyes.
You’re lying to me.
Maybe you took something that gave you a false, negative result.
Bethany recoiled as if she had been struck.
How can you think that? I love you, Malone.
I would never hide something this serious.
What else am I supposed to think? Malone stood up from the couch, his voice getting louder.
I find out I have a deadly disease that’s transmitted through blood and sexual contact.
The only person I’ve been close to is you.
And suddenly you’re healthy.
How do you explain that, Bethany? I don’t know, she shouted back, tears welling up in her eyes.
Maybe it happened at the hospital when you donated blood 6 months ago.
Maybe it was an unsterile needle at the dentist.
I don’t know, Malone, but I swear I had nothing to do with it.
They stood facing each other, breathing heavily, separated not only by the space in the room, but also by a growing gulf of mistrust.
The doorbell made them both jump.
Malone went to answer it, angry at the uninvited visitor who had interrupted their conversation.
Throwing the door open, he froze when he saw Derek standing there.
He was leaning casually against the door frame, a smile on his face.
“Hi, neighbor,” Derek said as if they were old friends.
Is be home? Get out.
Malone hissed through clenched teeth.
You’re not welcome here.
Dererick pretended not to hear him.
I need to talk to Be.
It’s important.
It’s about our shared past.
Hearing Dererick’s voice, Bethany ran out into the hallway.
Derek, I told you not to come here.
Please go away.
I can’t be.
Dererick shook his head, his gaze hardening.
We have unfinished business.
You know what I’m talking about.
Malone felt rage boiling up inside him.
All the tension of the last few days.
All the fear and despair suddenly concentrated in one point.
Standing in front of him was a man from Bethy’s former life.
The life she didn’t want to talk about.
Perhaps this man was the key to unraveling the whole situation.
Wait here, he said to Derek and quickly went into the garage.
There, among the sports equipment, he grabbed a baseball bat.
A gift from Ronald for his last birthday.
With the bat in his hand, Malone returned to the door.
“I said, get out,” he repeated, raising the bat now or I’ll call the police.
Dererick’s eyes narrowed when he saw the bat.
“Wo, buddy, take it easy.
” “I just wanted to talk to Be.
” “My wife has no business with you,” Malone replied, taking a step forward.
“And her name is Bethany, not Be.
Get out and don’t come back.
Derek glanced at Bethany, who was standing behind Malone.
“So, you didn’t tell him, did you?” He sneered.
“I wonder what your husband would think if he knew what you used to be, be what you still are, despite all your pretensions to respectability.
” Malone took another step, raising the bat higher.
“I’ll give you 5 seconds to get off my property.
5 4 3 Derek raised his hands in a gesture of surrender.
Okay, okay, I’m leaving, but this isn’t over.
Be he added, looking at Bethany.
You know I’ll get what’s mine.
He turned and walked down the path toward the gate.
Malone watched him go, bat still raised, until Derek disappeared around the corner.
Only then did he close the door and turned to his wife.
Who is he, Bethany? And don’t tell me he’s just an old acquaintance.
Bethany leaned against the wall as if her legs were about to give way.
It’s hard to explain, Malone.
I’ve got all the time in the world, he replied, leaning the bat against the wall.
I want to know the truth.
The whole truth.
Bethany opened her mouth, but at that moment, her phone rang.
She glanced at the screen.
It’s work.
I have to answer it.
She walked into another room, leaving Malone alone with his thoughts and suspicions.
When Bethany returned, her expression had changed.
I have to go to the studio right away.
There’s a problem with a project for an important client now.
Malone couldn’t believe it.
In the middle of this conversation, I have to, Bethany said firmly.
It’s my job.
We’ll talk when I get back.
I promise.
She quickly gathered her things and left, leaving Malone in an empty house filled with unanswered questions.
The next morning, Malone couldn’t settle down.
Bethany returned late in the evening after he had gone to bed and left early in the morning, leaving a note about urgent work.
It was clear that she was avoiding conversation.
Unable to sit inside and think about his diagnosis and his wife’s strange behavior, he decided to take a walk.
The park near their house was almost empty at that time of day.
Malone sat down on a bench by the pond and stared at the water.
Ducks swam leisurely across the surface, unaware that one man’s world was falling apart before their eyes.
H I V.
Three letters that had crossed out all his plans for the future.
The children he and Bethany wanted to have, the career he had worked so hard to build, the old age he had imagined would be peaceful and tranquil.
Everything was now in question.
and Bethany, the woman he loved more than anything in the world, had suddenly become a mystery.
Who was she really? What was she hiding from him? And what did Derek Holmes have to do with any of this? Malone was so deep in thought that he didn’t notice a woman sitting down on the bench next to him.
Only when she spoke did he startle in surprise.
I thought I’d find you here.
Shyanda Flynn looked at him with an expression Malone couldn’t quite place.
Sympathy mixed with a strange determination.
“Mrs.
Flynn,” he said in surprise.
“What are you doing here?” “Bethany called me last night,” Shio replied.
“She was very upset.
She said you were having problems.
” Malone smiled bitterly.
“Pros is putting it mildly.
I have HIV, Mrs.
Flynn, and it seems your daughter is hiding something from me.
” Shivanda was silent for a long time, staring at the ducks in the pond.
Then she took a pack of cigarettes out of her purse, lit one, and took a deep drag.
I warned her that the truth always comes out.
Always.
But Bethany has always been stubborn.
What truth are you talking about? Malone turned to face her.
Who is Derek? Shivanda exhaled a stream of smoke.
Her dealer, or rather her former dealer, and her former pimp.
His mother-in-law’s words hit Malone harder than a punch to the solar plexus.
He felt the ground slip away beneath his feet.
What did you say? You heard me, Malone.
Shyanda looked him straight in the eye.
Bethany was a drug addict.
She was on heroin from 16 to 23.
And to pay for her habit, she did things that decent people don’t talk about.
Malone shook his head, unable to believe what he was hearing.
No, that’s impossible.
Not Bethany.
She’s educated, talented, she has a career, friends.
All that was after rehab.
Shivonda interrupted him.
I spent a fortune to get her out of the hole she dug herself into.
College therapy, a new city, a new environment.
I did everything I could to give her a fresh start.
But her health, Malone faltered.
If she was a drug addict using injection drugs.
Exactly.
Shiovanda nodded.
You don’t need me to explain where you got HIV.
Bethany obviously contracted it during her adventures and now she’s infected you.
But her HIV test came back negative.
Malone objected.
Shiovanda raised an eyebrow in surprise.
She told you that and you believed her? My boy, if there’s one thing my daughter is talented at, it’s lying.
She’s been deceiving me for years.
Do you think it’s a problem for her to lie about a test result? Malone sat there, stunned by these revelations.
Everything was falling into place.
Bethy’s strange behavior, her unwillingness to talk about the past, Dererick’s visits, her tense relationship with her mother, and the diagnosis he had received.
Why? He finally asked.
Why didn’t she tell me? I would have understood.
I loved her.
Loved her? Shivy remarked.
So, you don’t love her anymore? Malone didn’t answer, unable to sort out his own feelings.
She was afraid, Shiovanda continued after a pause.
Afraid of losing you, her new life, everything she worked so hard to build.
That’s not an excuse, just an explanation.
She stubbed out her cigarette on the edge of the bench.
“I love my daughter, Malone, no matter what, but I can’t watch her continue to destroy the lives of those around her, including yours.
” Shivanda stood up from the bench.
“What are you going to do now?” Malone stared at the water, not seeing her.
I don’t know.
First, I need to talk to Bethany.
Hear the truth from her.
Good luck, Shivanda said without a hint of irony.
She’ll deny everything to the end.
That’s her nature.
Shy left, leaving Malone alone with his thoughts.
He sat in the park for several more hours, trying to make sense of everything he had learned.
The world he had built over the past 2 years was crumbling, burying his dreams and hopes under the rubble.
By 4:00, Malone had made up his mind.
He wasn’t going to wait for Bethany to Dne to come home and tell her side of the story.
He would go to her work and demand an explanation.
The design studio where Bethany worked was located in a fashionable part of town in a renovated former factory building.
Malone rarely went there.
He had only stopped by a couple of times to pick up his wife when she was working late.
Entering the spacious room with high ceilings and brick walls, he immediately noticed Bethany.
She was sitting at a large table bent over some sketches.
She was wearing an elegant black dress.
Her hair pulled back into a neat bun.
So beautiful, so composed, so unfamiliar.
When she saw her husband, Bethany started and quickly stood up to greet him.
“Malone, what are you doing here?” “We need to talk,” he said firmly.
“Now?” Bethany glanced at her colleagues who were watching them curiously.
“I can’t leave right now.
I have a deadline now, Bethany,” Malone repeated.
And something in his tone made her give in.
“Okay,” she said, turning to her colleagues.
“I’ll be back soon.
Keep going without me.
” They left the studio and walked down the street in silence.
The day was drawing to a close, and the air was getting cooler.
People hurried about their business, paying no attention to the couple walking in tense silence.
Finally, Bethany couldn’t take it anymore.
You talked to my mother, didn’t you? Malone nodded.
Yes.
She told me about your past.
Bethany stopped, her face contorted with anger.
She had no right.
That’s my past.
My life.
I should have decided when and how to tell you.
Were you going to? Malone turned to her.
Or were you going to keep lying to me like you have for the last 2 years? I wasn’t lying, Bethany protested.
I just didn’t tell you everything.
That’s the same thing, Bethany,” Malone exclaimed.
“You hid the most important part of your life from me.
You were a drug addict.
You,” he faltered, unable to say the word prostitute.
“You did things for money, and Derek was your pimp.
How could you hide all this from me?” They walked down the quiet street, their voices echoing off the walls of the houses.
“You wouldn’t have married me if you had known,” Bethany said quietly.
“No man wants a wife with a past like that.
It’s not just that, Bethany.
Malone stopped and grabbed her by the shoulders.
I have HIV.
Do you understand? HIV? And I think you knew you had it when you married me.
You knowingly put me in mortal danger.
Malone felt rage boiling inside him.
You knew there was a risk.
And you married me anyway, made love to me, planned to have children.
How could you, Bethany? They turned into a narrow alley between the houses, a shortcut they often took on their way home.
It was quiet and deserted with only trash cans against the walls and graffiti on the brick walls.
Bethany stopped and turned to her husband.
I loved you, Malone.
I still do.
I wanted to be happy.
I wanted a normal life after everything I’d been through.
Was that so wrong? It’s wrong to lie.
Malone clenched his fists.
It’s wrong to hide that you could have given me a deadly disease.
You ruined my life, Bethany.
All my dreams, all my plans, all gone because of your lies.
Bethany lowered her head.
I didn’t want it to turn out this way.
I thought I had changed.
That the past was behind me.
But then Derek showed up and she fell silent, biting her lip.
And then Malone took a step toward her.
Finish it, Bethany.
Enough lies.
Bethany looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears.
He blackmailed me.
He threatened to tell you everything if I didn’t get him the money.
I was desperate, Malone.
I didn’t know what to do.
You could have told me the truth, Malone exclaimed.
Trust me, I would have protected you, Bethany.
We could have gotten through this together.
And now, she asked quietly.
Now you know everything.
What now? Malone turned away, unable to look at her.
I don’t know.
I just don’t know.
You betrayed me in the worst way possible.
I can fix this, Bethany said, her voice filled with desperate hope.
We can start over.
I’ll take care of you, help you with treatment.
I’ll do anything to make you happy, Malone.
Happy? He turned sharply toward her, and Bethany recoiled at the look on his face.
How can I be happy? I’m HIV positive.
Do you know what that means? A lifetime of medication, constant fear of getting sick, no children, a lifelong stigma, and it’s all because of you, Bethany.
because of your lies.
His voice echoed off the alley walls.
Bethany stood with her arms wrapped around herself, tears streaming down her cheeks.
I’m sorry.
Please forgive me.
I know I hurt you, but I really didn’t know for sure that I was sick.
I always felt healthy.
And yet your test came back negative, Malone said bitterly.
Convenient, isn’t it? Bethany lowered her eyes.
I lied.
I didn’t take any test.
I was afraid of the result.
The confession hung heavy in the air.
Malone looked at his wife as if he were seeing her for the first time, frightened, broken, but still lying to him.
“So you knew,” he said slowly.
“You knew you might be infected, and you married me anyway.
You knowingly put me at risk.
” “I wasn’t sure,” Bethany exclaimed.
“I just hoped it would be okay, and it didn’t.
” Malone took a step back.
Now I’m sick and you you probably are too.
But keeping your lie was more important to you than my health.
Malone, please.
Bethany reached out to him.
I love you.
We can get through this together.
I’ll be there for you.
I’ll take care of you.
Enough.
He pushed her away.
I don’t want to hear your lies anymore.
You ruined everything, Bethany.
Everything.
At that moment, something broke inside Malone.
All the pain, despair, and anger burst out in an uncontrollable flood.
He looked around and saw a rock the size of his fist near the trash can.
Without realizing what he was doing, he grabbed the rock and turned to Bethany.
She backed away, seeing the look on his face.
Malone, calm down.
Let’s talk like adults.
Adults? He hissed.
Grown-ups don’t lie to their partners.
Grown-ups don’t put others in mortal danger out of selfishness.
He took a step toward her, clenching the rock in his hand.
Bethany backed away, her back against the alley wall.
Malone, please.
You’re scaring me.
This isn’t you.
You’re not like this.
What am I? He moved closer.
You don’t even know me, Bethany, just like I didn’t know you.
Bethany tried to slip past him and run out of the alley, but Malone grabbed her arm.
No, you’re not going anywhere.
Not now when I finally know the truth.
Let me go, Bethany screamed, trying to break free.
You’re hurting me.
But Malone didn’t hear her.
A red veil of rage clouded his vision.
All the betrayal, all the pain of the last few days came pouring out in one terrible moment.
He raised his hand with the rock.
You ruined my life, Bethany.
Do you understand that? Malone? No.
She screamed in terror, seeing his raised hand.
Please don’t.
But it was too late.
The rock came down on her head with terrifying force.
Bethany screamed and fell to her knees.
blood gushing from the cut on her forehead.
She looked at her husband with disbelief and fear in her eyes.
“Why?” she whispered.
“I loved you.
” These words only fueled Malone’s rage.
He raised the rock again and again and brought it down on his wife’s head.
This time, Bethany fell to the asphalt and didn’t move.
Blood spread around her head in a dark halo.
Her eyes, which a second ago had been filled with terror, now stared into nothingness.
Malone stood over her, breathing heavily, still clutching the bloodied rock in his hand.
Gradually, the red haze before his eyes cleared, and he realized with horror what he had just done.
Bethany lay motionless, her beautiful face almost unrecognizable from the blood and terrible wounds.
Malone dropped the stone and knelt down beside her.
“Bethany,” he whispered, touching her cheek.
“Bethany, wake up.
Please wake up.
” But there was no response.
He checked her pulse at her neck.
Nothing.
Bethany was dead and he had killed her.
Panic gripped Malone.
He looked around expecting to see witnesses, but the alley was empty.
Only trash cans and graffiti on the walls were silent witnesses to the tragedy that had unfolded.
He had to do something.
He couldn’t just leave his wife’s body there in the middle of the alley.
The police would find him, start an investigation, and everyone would find out what he had done.
Malone’s gaze fell on a manhole cover a few steps away from the scene of the tragedy.
Without thinking, acting as if in a nightmare, he approached the manhole and tried to lift the heavy cast iron cover.
On his third attempt, he managed to push it aside, revealing a dark opening leading into the city sewer.
Returning to Bethy’s body, Malone took her by the arms and dragged her toward the open manhole.
She was so light, as if not only her life had left her, but all her physical weight as well.
With difficulty, he lifted her body and pushed it into the dark hole.
There was a dull splash.
There was water below.
Malone replaced the manhole cover and looked around.
There were traces of blood on the asphalt.
He took off his jacket and using it as a rag, tried to wipe away the most noticeable stains.
Then he picked up the bloodstained rock and threw it into the nearest trash can.
Only after completing these mechanical actions did he fully realize what he had done.
He had killed his wife, the woman he loved, despite all her lies and betrayal.
He had become a murderer.
Malone wandered away from the alley, not knowing where to go.
His hands were stained with Bethy’s blood.
His jacket was ruined.
And there was a black hole in his soul.
Ahead of him lay uncertainty.
The police, court, prison.
And all this against the backdrop of a terminal illness that was now with him forever.
