Housewife Gone Wild

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.

I look good?” I

enough.” He was never one to

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

end was satisfying. “I never said it was bad,” he finally

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

“Fine. Goodbye,” he said tightly before the line went

with a humorless chuckle. Jared was always perfectly composed, the genteel husband who never raised

simple–women mirrored what they were given. Coldness turned them to ice. Passion set

married Jared. The real smiles disappeared, replaced by careful words

gruel,” Wendy offered softly. “Would you

thank you.” I drew a steadying breath. This was the

night until the nightmare came at

dream, I died again, experiencing the same helpless terror and crushing despair. I woke

with sweat.

my

I was

as I was having breakfast. It was from a