Housewife Gone Wild

The storm howled outside, rain hammering against the windows as Jared’s words made my blood run cold.

Why was he asking this now? Was he worried I’d discovered his secret, or was this his way of coming clean? Would he sit me down again to negotiate his relationship with Tracy, just like before? My mind raced with questions.

Back then, I’d been such a fool, clinging to that worthless marriage certificate, refusing to surrender my place.

This time around, I would gladly accept if Jared offered the same deal again, taking only the money and nothing more when I left.

“What’s wrong? Got something to hide?” I asked, forcing a teasing tone I didn’t feel.

Jared was dangerous–a man who could smile while burning with rage inside, and then retaliate in ways his victims never anticipated.

I couldn’t risk provoking him. If he dropped the act of caring about our marriage, I’d lose everything. My safest move was to take the money and run. As for child support, I knew that wasn’t coming.

After a long pause, he said, “Don’t believe anything you hear.

to ignore the

myself while denying every rumor. Still, I knew one truth–rumors didn’t start

a carefully

brush a stray lock of hair from my face. “How

Yvonne and I… we’re

Tonight, it’s just the two of us.” Jared’s voice was low

an off–the–shoulder knit top, the fabric slipping just enough

lips brushed my shoulder. “Don’t work late. Go home early.” There was a roughness in

intimacy. He’d always ask before kissing me, like we were