After being reborn, I make up my mind to stop chasing after my husband and daughter

Chapter 18

Hearing the men discuss their careers today, I realized with sudden clarity–I deserved that same confidence, that equal seat at the table.

Jared called again as soon as I got home. I answered while sinking into the couch.

“Why weren’t you answering your phone?” Jared’s suspicion bled through the line.

“Must’ve been on silent. What’s up?” The lie came automatically now.

“Who were you out with? Yvonne said you went out again.” He might as well have been taking attendance.

“Just some college friends,” I said lightly. “They’re all doing well here. Thought I’d reconnect before starting work.”

He seemed to turn my answer over in his head before responding. “You’ve changed lately. What’s going on?”

“Changed how?” I toyed with my hair, suddenly recalling my younger self–the one who wanted to burn bright, not fade into someone’s background.

“You’re dressing differently these days,” Jared said, proving he noticed every detail about me.

good?” I asked with a

dignified enough.” He was never one to

a laugh. “Those wedding vows about loving me unconditionally–were

“I never said it was

anything else? I’m tired.” I had zero patience for his

quiet for a beat. “Fine. Goodbye,” he said tightly before the

my phone with a humorless chuckle. Jared was always perfectly composed, the genteel husband who never raised his voice. But that same

been simple–women mirrored what they were

smiling, always bright. That changed when I married Jared. The real

Wendy offered softly. “Would you care for

steadying breath. This was the

night until the nightmare

helpless terror and crushing despair. I woke gasping, the sheets

with sweat.

barefoot to the bathroom mirror, pressing my palms

me I was