Last winter, right when the cold set in, she'd complained that the jackets I bought were cheap brands that couldn't keep me warm. She'd thrown them all out without asking. The next day, she handed me a Canada Goose parka and told me that things were better now, that she'd never let me freeze again.

Lauren knew all of this perfectly well. She was doing it to humiliate me on purpose.

In that moment, regret hit me like a wall.

Regret for misjudging who she really was all those years ago.

One of the guests stepped in, trying to smooth things over. "Lauren, it's below zero out there. Laurence is barely wearing anything underneath. Without that coat, he'll freeze. It's supposed to be a happy occasion. Don't let it end on a sour note. Just swallow your pride and make up with your husband. There's no shame in that."

Lauren, of course, saw it differently.

Her lips twisted into a mocking smirk.

"We haven't even signed the papers. What kind of husband is he? I spoiled him too much, that's all. Now he thinks he can throw around words like 'break up' whenever he pleases. He should be grateful I'm not making him walk out naked."

"Laurence, don't say I never gave you a chance. Apologize right now. Promise to get along with Noel from here on out. I'll forgive you, we'll sign the license like planned, and you'll still be the man of the Sanchez household."

Noel settled in close beside her, all smiles.

"That's right, Laurence. You already lowered yourself to being a kept man. What's with the pride all of a sudden? I'd quit while I was ahead if I were you."

"It's two in the morning, in weather like this. There's not a cab to be found out here, and the nearest hotel is miles away. You'll freeze to death on the side of the road."

The moment the words left her mouth, Lauren seemed to get an idea. She picked up her phone and dialed.

"Call every hotel and motel in Capital City. Laurence Henson is not to be given a room. Anywhere."

My heart plummeted.

This was Lauren's obedience test.

She wanted me to understand that she could dictate my life on a whim. She was training me to be docile, to swallow my pride and submit.

I drew a long breath, then slapped the bank cards down on the coffee table.

Without a second's hesitation, I pulled off the Canada Goose parka and tossed it into the fireplace beside me.

The flames surged, casting a bright glow across Lauren's stunned face.