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

not… dignified enough.” He was

a laugh. “Those wedding vows about

said it was bad,” he finally offered after a loaded

I’m tired.” I had zero patience

line went quiet for a beat. “Fine. Goodbye,” he said

genteel husband

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

college, I used to radiate joy, always smiling, always bright. That changed when I married Jared. The real smiles disappeared, replaced by careful

Wendy offered softly. “Would

the day I’d stop playing a role and

night until the

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

with sweat.

to the bathroom mirror, pressing my

I was

phone rang as I was having breakfast. It