After six years of marriage, Claire believed the foundation of her life with Michael was built on the steady, if somewhat predictable, bricks of mutual respect and hard work. Michael was a rising star at a high-end consulting firm, a role that demanded long hours and frequent solo attendance at corporate functions. Claire, supportive and trusting, accepted his explanations that these events were dry, data-driven affairs—gatherings of suits and spreadsheets that she would find mind-numbing. She played the role of the patient wife, waiting at home while he climbed the professional ladder. The illusion shattered on a mundane Friday evening....
Continues…