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 with

look fine. Just not… dignified enough.” He was never one

I barked a laugh. “Those wedding vows about loving me

never said it was bad,” he finally

I had zero

Goodbye,” he said tightly

my phone with a humorless chuckle. Jared was always perfectly composed, the genteel husband who

had always been simple–women mirrored what they were

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

offered softly.

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

until the nightmare

helpless terror and crushing despair. I woke gasping, the

with sweat.

mirror, pressing my palms

me I

phone rang as I was having breakfast. It was