The Fake Spouse

The bewildered stare of the immigration officer pierced me like a physical blow.

Under the sterile fluorescent lights, the computer screen facing me displayed Kelly's legal spouse. The name staring back at me was Paul.

"Sir, are you sure you didn't make a mistake on this form?"

That single question dropped the floor out from under me. The chill of the air conditioning suddenly felt like a plunge into a frozen lake.

So, for the past five years, not only had I been waiting in vain for my Green Card, but even my identity as her husband had been a complete lie.