Chapter 23

I was ready for his accusations and anger. His words didn’t upset me. I just lay there calmly, meeting his furious, bewildered

stare.

“You’ve treated me well. You were always generous, perfectly polite–a true gentleman in every way. You just… never shared your work life with me or brought me around your friends.

“You simply… stopped loving me. But that doesn’t make you any less of a good husband or father.” My voice stayed even as I held his gaze, stating facts.

Jared’s eyes turned to stone. “That’s ridiculous,” he snapped. “Why would I have married you if I didn’t love you?”

I watched the color rise in his handsome face, his anger giving way to something closer to panic and guilt.

But love doesn’t come with guarantees. Yours changed, and then faded. I could feel

He pushed me down with sudden force, his mouth claiming mine in a kiss that burned with anger. His usual tenderness was gone–this was a storm I couldn’t weather, his passion overwhelming me

beneath him,

familiar responses that used to come so easily

he’d actually satisfied me completely. Yet I forced myself to keep playing the wounded wife because I knew this marriage

gathered the sheets around my trembling body and retreated

but he’d broken his own rules tonight. By making the first move, he’d let down

stopped caring and

need to chase

She had to be

morning came too soon. I was still half–asleep when Yvonne came barreling in. “Mom!”

kept my eyes closed, pretending not to hear. My spoiling had made Yvonne forget all about manners–here she was, waking

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