Clarissa's DIY Wedding AU:
Mark and Clarissa get a silent divorce and basically end up being roommates/best friends kinda bond.
Mark sits Clarissa down and tells her that she isn't the woman he thought he had married, and in fact, doesn't believe she had been for a long while. He theorizes that it has something to do with her ma's decreasing health and she, in turn, started acting differently. Worn dresses, instead of her usual ruffles and jeans. Started picking up a lot more chores, especially the ones she hated.
Clarissa stopped being Clarissa and began acting like "how she's supposed to" or some other traditional, sexist mindset.
And Mark? Mark just wants her to be herself, and no longer believes he can do that while "locking" her in a marriage. He wants and will try his best to be there for her, still.
"If Suzanne still wants to be my wife after she learns who Suzanne is, then I promise we can try again."
"And if not?" Her voice was small, as she was boxing in on herself from the conversation.
"Then I'll still be here. In whatever context will be up to us, together."
She sniffles, "Together."
It took some time, but soon enough, her smile started reaching her eyes. She had began bantering with Mark about their breakup and divorce without any pain, from either side (they both checked, repeatedly.) Her long blonde hair started sporting red highlights. Her ruffle blouses returned with even longer sleeves, her jeans rested high on her waist, cementing her modern cowboy's wet dream aesthetic.
Mark also did some exploring on his own, found new hobbies and style. He no longer felt that deep seeded fear and jealousy over Amanda and her too close kinda friendship she has with his ex wife. He finds himself still deeply in love with Clarissa Suzanne Jenkins, but now? It's more platonic in nature. She feels the same in that aspect.
Speaking of Amanda, she was unintentionally kept in the dark about the whole separation? She definitely saw the transformation, and more of her best friend, which is always a win. Said best friend does seem to be sitting closer though... Not like Amanda was counting the decreasing inches, or anything.
Unbeknownst to Amanda, but too known to Clarissa, is Mark keeping mouthing "Kiss, kiss, kiss" whenever Amanda's back was turned.
