The Contractual Wife's Silent Comeback

Walla

the name he'd called me when we were in love, before the accid

sliver of hope, sharp and dangerous, pierced through m

d the lie out, crushing that tiny spark of hope. "You d

d but losing that intense, searching look. He actually seemed relieved. Relief that I wasn't the wom

s from her terrible massage! My followers will think I have ugly feet if I can't get a proper rub." She flounced onto the bed, demanding his att

a bone-deep weariness that went beyond the

nd, Jake's parents, swept in like a cold front. Evonne, a woman whose dia

d, wrapping Jada in an embrace. "Are you c

d before resting a heavy hand on Jada's shoulder. "My dear, you are the future of our fam

was invisible to them.

th false sweetness, "Jakey, darling, we have a little something fo

he Wallace family heirloom necklace. My grandmother's necklace. My dowry. T

It was a symbol of my family's legacy, a piece of my history. Now, it wa

te?" Evonne gushed. "A perfect fit

e in society. Just this... little business of yours. Jada, on the other hand, gives us hope for the F

wife" had been a soundtrack to my gilded cage. Each holiday, each family gathering, a fresh barrage of

gels! You're awake!" She put the phone on speaker. "Are you missing Grandma?

childish voices on the other end. "Aunt

rred into the phone. "What sho

ice piped up

e behind it. She slapped me hard across the face. The sharp sti

t anymore. I was leaving. Soon. V

d forward. "Mother, that's enough," he said, his voice c

n indignant. "Jakey, she des

ave me a look I couldn't decipher, then glanced

uests to attend to," I said, my voice tight. I turned and pr

again. Clara. Business partner just confirmed the t

er me. Done. I was finally done. Now, I just needed to get home,

istics of my escape. My father had arranged everything. A

t from behind a potted bush, blocking my path. Jake' s children. They were J

, a mini-Jake with his cold e

he little girl chimed in, her fa

to push past them. My wrist th

ll, brightly colored water gun forwar

shot from the toy. It hit my face, my neck, my

aughter, then turned and ran, their smal

t felt like fire. My vision blurred, tears streaming down my face, mixing with the

ent, the world spinning around me. The smell of burnt flesh