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.

look good?” I asked

Just not… dignified enough.” He was never

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

silence on his end was satisfying. “I never said it

else? I’m tired.” I

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

chuckle. Jared was always perfectly composed, the genteel husband who never raised his voice. But that same restraint made him

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

I used to radiate joy, always smiling, always bright. That changed when I married Jared. The real

made some gruel,” Wendy offered softly.

I drew a steadying breath. This was the day I’d stop playing a

slept deeply that night until the nightmare came

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

with sweat.

mirror, pressing my palms

I was

I was having breakfast.