"Don't let her push you. Having a baby can't be rushed. There are plenty of ways, and drinking too much herbal medicine isn't good for you anyway."

I thought, "It's already hopeless."

Seeing me nod, he kissed my hair and joked, "You were throwing up so loudly, I thought you were pregnant."

I chuckled. "Even if I were, it wouldn't be yours. You haven't touched me in almost six months."

I closed my eyes, surprised by this rare moment of tenderness.

Just yesterday, he was satisfied with someone else, and today he's being all gentle with the wife he despises. His inconsistency terrified me.

I had already lost everything. What more could he possibly want from me?

Suddenly, Easton went silent.

I looked up, puzzled. I saw his face twisted in anger, his eyes devoid of any warmth.

"He's mad again?"

I awkwardly stepped back and wisely grabbed a spoon to serve soup.

He said coldly, "Make sure you're clear on that. Are you upset I haven't satisfied you? Thinking of finding someone else?"

I froze, almost laughing from anger.

How could such a manipulative, shameless man exist?!

I couldn't be bothered to argue. "I'm hungry. Can we argue after dinner?"

"Let me tell you something, Rylee. Don't think you can climb higher after we divorce. You're pushing thirty. Have some self-awareness."

Furious, he sloppily fixed his tie and walked out to call his mistress from the other day.

"You insane jerk!

I'm not going anywhere. I'll die in this house and haunt you every day, cursing you with impotence!

And for the record, I'm only twenty-six!"

I stormed off and stayed at Mary's place for a few days.

Mary is my best friend. She owns a dance studio, has a strong, respected father, and a soldier who's been chasing her for years.

She's fiery and always frustrated with me for being too soft. After I vented, she scolded me for being a pushover, and all I could do was laugh awkwardly.

...

In the end, a single call from my mom-in-law, Eloise, summoned me back.

I had always admired Eloise, with her graceful demeanor and gentle nature.

The first time I visited Easton's home in high school, I happened to get my period.

Embarrassed, I hid in the bathroom, too afraid to come out. Easton thought it was my appendix and was about to kick down the door.

It was Eloise who figured out my situation. She calmly sent him away and discreetly passed me a little care package.