Love Lost to Me

Chapter 2

I woke to cold sheets. My hand stretched across the mattress, searching out of habit… but found nothing. I blinked, still heavy with sleep, then turned my head toward Ben’s side of the bed. Empty. A small frown tugged at my lips as I rolled onto my back, staring up at the ceiling. The room felt… quieter than usual. Still. I turned toward the nightstand, squinting at the clock. 6:47 a.m. “Damn it,” I muttered under my breath, pushing myself up. I missed him. A soft sigh slipped from my lips, annoyance settling in my chest. I hated when I didn’t wake up with him- hated missing the way he’d kiss my forehead before leaving, the way he’d always tell me to lock the door behind him. It was a small thing. But it mattered.

I ran a hand through my hair, about to get out of bed when something caught my eye. A card. It sat on the dresser, propped up just enough to be seen. My heart softened instantly. Of course. I slipped out of bed, padding quietly across the room, already knowing what I’d find before I even picked it up. Ben’s handwriting. I’d recognize it anywhere. A smile spread across my face as I opened it.

Good morning, my beautiful wife. I didn’t have the heart to wake you— you looked too peaceful, and after last night, I figured I’d let you rest. Happy anniversary again, baby. I don’t think I say this enough, but I’m so proud to be your husband. You’ve built a life out of nothing, and somehow you still have the softest heart I’ve ever known. I get to wake up next to you every day… and I still feel like the luckiest man alive. There’s a little something waiting for you in the closet. I hope you love it as much as I love you. Be ready by 6 tonight. I’m taking my wife out.

—Ben

I pressed the card to my chest for a moment, smiling to myself. God, I loved that man. Shaking my head softly, I set the card down and made my way toward the closet, curiosity already building.

The moment I stepped inside, I froze. “Ben…” Hanging perfectly against the closet door was the most stunning black gown I had ever seen. It was elegant- effortless in a way that screamed money without needing to prove it. The fabric alone looked like it would melt against my skin, smooth and rich, catching the light in subtle waves. I reached out, brushing my fingers along it, and instantly knew. Expensive. Very expensive. My eyes drifted down until I found the tag, and I lifted it carefully, only to laugh under my breath. Of course. The price had been cut off. I shook my head, smiling. “Smart man.” Ben knew me too well. I still wasn’t completely comfortable with things like this. Designer gowns, expensive jewelry, luxury anything. It all felt… temporary. Like something that could be taken away just as quickly as it came.

My gaze shifted, landing on the photo frame sitting on the island in the center of the closet. I picked it up slowly, leaning back against the door as I looked at it. Us during our college years. God, we looked like kids. I smiled softly, my thumb brushing over the glass. Back then, everything had been different. Before the house. Before the stability. Before the life we built together. Before him… I had nothing. The memories came whether I wanted them to or not. Foster homes that never felt like homes. Nights spent wondering when I’d eat again- or worse, what kind of mood someone would be in. Learning early how to stay quiet. How to stay small. How to survive. After years of bouncing from place to place, never chosen, never wanted… I ended up in a group home. And that’s when it clicked. No one was coming. No one was going to save me. So, I saved myself.

School became everything. My escape. My way out. I worked harder than I thought I was capable of, chasing every scholarship I could find. And on my eighteenth birthday, I walked out of that place with nothing but a full ride to college… and never looked back. Psychology was practical. Safe. But art? Art was mine. It always had been. That’s what led me to the studio. And that’s where I met him. Ben. I let out a quiet laugh, shaking my head. A biology major with glasses, messy hair, and the most awkward smile I’d ever seen. He used to come into the studio like he didn’t belong there—like he was stepping into another world. We were friends first. It took me a long time to let him get close. I didn’t trust easy. Didn’t believe in things lasting. But Ben… He was patient. Consistent. Real. And somewhere along the way, without me even realizing it, I fell in love with him.

My eyes drifted back to the photo, taking him in. I smirked slightly. “Who would’ve thought,” I murmured to myself. A few years in the gym and a beard had turned that awkward college freshman into an absolute heartthrob of a man. The kind that made people look twice. The kind that didn’t even seem real. If you saw him now- sharp suit or lab coat- you’d think he was some ridiculously attractive actor playing a scientist… not an actual one. But he was. And he was mine. I set the frame back on the island, lingering for just a second before taking one last look at the black gown hanging on the closet door. I couldn’t wait to see Ben’s face when he saw me wearing it tonight.

Just then, my phone vibrated from the bedroom. I walked over and picked it up from the nightstand.

Carla: Still on for lunch today? Noon at The Magnolia Room?

A smile tugged at my lips. Leave it to Carla to confirm plans the morning of. Even plans we’d made over a week ago.

Me: Absolutely. I’ll see you at noon. Three dots appeared almost immediately.

Carla: Perfect. And don’t be late this time. I actually cleared my schedule for you.

I laughed under my breath.

Me: One time, Carla. I was late one time.

Her reply came instantly.

Carla: Forty-three minutes. I remember.

I shook my head with a smile. Some things never changed. I slipped my phone onto the bathroom counter and turned on the shower, letting the room fill with steam.