The next morning, Mark kicked his performance into high gear. Every chance he got, he was apologizing, asking how I was, and bending over backward to cater to me. His voice stayed low, humble, and endlessly patient.

Honestly, part of me had to admire men like Mark—able to swallow their pride, adapt to the situation, and remain relentless in their pursuit.

Since the day we got married, Mark hadn’t so much as boiled water. But that day, he was up early, cooking me ...