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Chapter 1: The Husband's Ambition
Ethan Anderson had always been a man of ambition. From a young age, he dreamed of building something significant, something that would leave a lasting mark on the world. As he stood in his spacious office, gazing out at the city skyline through the floor-to-ceiling windows, he couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He had achieved his dreams, at least in part.
"Mr. Anderson, your wife is on the line," his secretary's voice interrupted his reverie.
Ethan sighed and picked up the phone. "Hello, Olivia."
On the other end of the line, Olivia's voice sounded weary. "Ethan, I don't know how much longer I can handle this."
Ethan knew exactly what she was referring to. The tension in their marriage had been growing for months, ever since Olivia had been appointed as the CEO of a prominent tech company. It was a position that should have been a source of pride and success for her, but instead, it had become a wedge between them.
"Olivia, we've been through this," Ethan said, trying to keep his frustration in check. "I've supported you every step of the way."
"I know, Ethan," Olivia replied, her voice softer now. "But it's just... I can't shake the feeling that you think I wouldn't have made it here without your help."
Ethan leaned against his desk, running a hand through his hair. "That's not true, Olivia. I believe in your abilities. I've always believed in you."
There was a pause on the other end of the line. "I just need some time to think, Ethan," Olivia finally said. "I can't keep living like this."
Ethan felt a pang of worry. "Please, don't do anything rash. Let's talk when you get home."
Olivia agreed to talk later and hung up. Ethan stared out at the city again, wondering how they had ended up here. He had sacrificed so much for her career, and yet, it seemed like it might cost him their marriage.
Later that evening, as they sat at the dining table, the tension was palpable. Olivia pushed her food around her plate, avoiding eye contact.
"Ethan," she began hesitantly, "I've been thinking about what you said earlier. Maybe I do need some time to figure things out."
Ethan nodded, trying to hide his disappointment. "Of course, Olivia. Take the time you need."
As the days turned into weeks, their relationship grew colder. Olivia spent more time at the office, and when she was home, they barely spoke. Ethan confided in his best friend, Michael Wilson, over a drink one evening.
"I just don't know what to do, Michael," Ethan admitted, his frustration evident.
Michael leaned in, his voice sympathetic. "You've built so much together, Ethan. Don't give up on her. Try to find a way to bridge the gap."
Ethan took his friend's advice to heart. He knew he had to do something to save their marriage and his own sanity.
One evening, he surprised Olivia with a candlelit dinner in their backyard. As they sat under the starry sky, he spoke from the heart.
"Olivia, I love you more than anything in this world," he began. "I want to support you in your career, but not at the cost of us. Let's find a way to make this work together."
Olivia's eyes glistened with tears, and for the first time in weeks, she smiled. "Ethan, I love you too. I don't want to lose us either. Let's try to find a balance."
As they held each other under the night sky, they knew that it wouldn't be easy, but they were determined to fight for their marriage.
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