Greg finally revealed that doctors had diagnosed him with a progressive neurological condition. The illness could gradually affect his movement, independence, and ability to perform everyday activities. He had spent months undergoing examinations and additional tests, hoping the diagnosis would be something less frightening. But the results had confirmed his worst fears. Claire felt the room spinning as she listened. She reached for his hand, but he pulled away, unable to look at her.

He explained that his own father had suffered from a similar condition. Greg remembered watching his mother sacrifice everything to care for him, gradually losing the life she had once enjoyed. He couldn’t bear the thought of Claire experiencing the same thing. He believed that ending their marriage early would allow her to find happiness without becoming his caregiver. Claire stared at him in disbelief. He had decided the future of their marriage without even asking what she wanted.