This story is available to read on my Patreon, but a revised and edited version will be coming to Amazon/KU in February 2026. He was silent. A lifetime of poisonous words faded away when he came into my life, convincing me every single insidious whisper had been a lie. He gave me a glimpse into a world where I could be happy, creating a family of my own-one based on unconditional love and zero expectations. Except maybe one. When the moment comes for him to speak up and defend me, he doesn't say a word, and reality comes crashing down on my head. He's not the man I thought he was, but I'm not the same girl he fell in love with, either. I'm stronger now, and I know I deserve better, so when I walk away, he'll be the one left picking up the pieces. There is no cheating, just a TSTL Hero who should've known better.