The Contracted Heart

t, but the thing is, I might not have the time. Besides, things like tha

r excuse to link me up with someone else. But I've completely refused. I've tried to help her understand that I am married and that I am staying with my husband. So, I'm not going there to find a man-I wouldn't even be int

her blouse. She wasn't someone who enjoyed extravagant

started, but before she could co

is once. It won't kill y

lena finally nodded. "F

o without you! That's why you're my best friend, and I'l

omers, occasionally laughing at each other's jokes. The

hop. As she packed up for the day, she slung her bag over her shoulder and instinctive

ched the door, real

ore. She was a married woman now. Her home

nty, and a tinge of sadness. Letting out a quiet sigh, she turned

ied herself, offloading the items she had bought earlier in the day. She carefully placed them in their designated spots, b

eded

ger, the sound of the front door ope

had ret

ity even after a long day of work. His sharp eyes

a flicker of approva

did

essi

dn't let he

g decisions without consulting him. If there was anything the Si

med through the house,

outburst. "I didn't know you were back. Welcome home! Ho

t in the mood fo

t my permission?" His jaw tightened. "This is disrespectful, Elena. Why didn't you ask me first? Or at least tell me so

reaction. She hadn't expected him to

And even though it still feels empty, I acknowledge the effort you've put in." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "But since we are living together-even if only in name-I thought we shoul

apologize. Next time, I'll ask for your perm

only a quiet sense of responsibility. She wasn't trying to challeng

uldn't let him let

f the house, and all expenses-big or small-should go through me. If you need anything, just let me

sensing the authori

nclair. A man who

red-was this about money? Or

r of them had th