Evelyn shot Charles a frosty look, then turned away. She tossed back the covers, got up, and strolled toward the bathroom.

Inside, she noticed the floor was covered with brand-new non-slip mats-in her favorite color.

When she finished and went to wash up at the sink, there was a toothbrush waiting, toothpaste already squeezed out. Charles stood quietly by the door, watching her.

The scene was painfully familiar.

For five years, whenever Charles spent the night, no matter how rough he'd been

or how exhausted she was, she'd drag herself up in the morning to get everything ready for him—his toiletries set out, his clothes pressed.

Now, the roles had reversed. Charles was fussing over every detail, tiptoeing around her, desperate to please.

A cold, mocking smile curled at Evelyn's lips.

Love that shows up late isn't worth a dime.

Without a word, she rinsed off the toothbrush, squeezed a fresh line of toothpaste, changed the glass, and went about brushing her teeth and washing her face.

Charles just stood there, silent, watching.

He waited by her side until she was done, until she brushed past him and headed downstairs. Instantly, he fell in step behind her.

Just as Evelyn reached the stairs, Charles scooped her up from behind.

down!" she protested, squirming in his arms, wanting

It's not safe for you to use the stairs. I'll

were steady and strong, his

the stairs, Evelyn didn't dare struggle too hard-she was afraid

chest, her whole body rigid, doing her best to avoid any

took each step

One at a time.

on the last step, Evelyn snapped. "Put me

Charles set

The

stepped away,

the them as she

as much distance

as she could. Convec

the sting of

belongs

two minutes had been sweet as honey to him,

for him now was even deeper than back in those years

truly felt the pain she must have endured alt those

time he'd ignored her,

is when

a thousand things to say, but

had long since

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