I. The Early Days: Love, Laughter, and Routine
I still remember the happy early days of our marriage. Matt and I had been together for over a year and a half—a time filled with shared dreams and whispered promises. I had always prided myself on maintaining a warm, welcoming home and on the independence that had fueled my career as a graphic designer. Every morning I’d wake up and look forward to our life together, convinced that with love and mutual respect, any minor quirks could be managed.