Linda was the one who kept their household running. As a financial consultant, she managed a demanding job while also taking care of the bills and house chores. Mark, by contrast, contributed little. He excused himself from responsibilities, always claiming his “sessions” drained him, leaving Linda to shoulder the burden.
Mark had mastered the art of gentle manipulation. His words were always sweet, yet they carried a sharp undertone. Emily recalled the time her mom bought a stunning dress with a side slit for their vacation. Instead of praising her, Mark had smiled and suggested she change into something “more age-appropriate.”