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.

he said, “Don’t believe anything you hear. They’re just

in disbelief, unable to reconcile this behavior with the Jared I knew. His suggestion to ignore the rumors while using our daughter’s youth as justification made me wonder if he was avoiding

myself while denying

said, stepping closer with a carefully crafted smile. “You’re the only

expression softened as he reached to brush a stray lock of hair from my face. “How are you settling in at the company? You seem genuinely committed

window. “You should go home ahead of me. Yvonne and I… we’re still not on

mom’s place. Tonight, it’s just the two of

the fabric slipping just

brushed my shoulder. “Don’t work late. Go home early.” There was a roughness in his voice I. hadn’t

about intimacy. He’d always ask before kissing me, like we were still figuring out where the lines