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.

I sighed and closed my eyes. “You did love me once. But love doesn’t come with guarantees. Yours changed, and then faded. I could feel it.”

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

he moved with rough urgency, his eyes darkening with need. Pinned beneath him, I couldn’t resist–and after three months of tension, we finally

me with urgent purpose, seeking the familiar responses that used to come so

keep playing the

gathered the sheets around my trembling body and retreated to the guest room, my hair disheveled and eyes glistening

guess Jared’s thoughts, but he’d broken his own rules tonight. By making the first move, he’d let down his guard- and that first

the truth–when I stopped caring and

need

She had to be tougher when necessary and walk away without hesitation when the

in. “Mom!” she shouted, shaking me. “Wake up. It’s playtime.

My spoiling had made Yvonne forget all about manners–here

came from the doorway. “Yvonne, come out. Let your mother sleep.” “Dad, she complained, “why did you marry someone so

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