Natalya stared down at her wedding ring as it appeared almost dull in the dark, unlit room.
Her heart broke and cracked at the seams as she debated internally over her own negligance and forgetfulness.
She knew that Toris must believe that she still loved Ivan enough to deliberately forget their anniversary.
Natalya was not an idiot nor was she oblivious to how pained Toris was in in the past whenever she'd mentioned Ivan and how much she loved him.
It made it seem like a burden of sorts to love her, and Toris's ability to love and forgive her startled her.
Natalya truly had moved on to the sweet and gentle Toris who put up with and adored her every flaw.
"Natalya?" He asked his wife softly from the bed that they both sat on that night.
"What?" Natalya managed to ask and hide her emotions as skillfully as possible.
"I love you." How did he always forgive her?
"I love you as well. I stopped loving Ivan a while ago." Natalya answered him, honestly.
"I know." Toris smiled at her.
"You did?" It was like he'd just taken away her fear from her hands and cast it all aside, devoid of meaning.
Toris's gentle hands encased her face with warmth as he kissed her.
Natalya vowed silently to never forget her anniversary with the sweetest man in the world again.