The Neglected Wife's Triumph

to our apartment

didn't rush to greet him, didn't ask

th old magazines and some kn

detached. He loosened his tie, alrea

even, hiding the sarcastic edge I felt. He w

id softly, mostly to mysel

ack to me. "Hmm? What's that? Did y

missed most things I said if they

good, even if it was just a private thought

ppy day, a trip to Folly Beach before the secre

to put it

?" Ethan asked, finally turni

tidying

the kind that kept me

about... making things more official. Tel

amiliar sound of

his. The timing isn't righ

t. Always the secret.

ss down. He touched my chee

said, his voice a little s

hope ignited. Ma

uzzed. He glance

have to go. Cassie needs he

ed for t

as his wife, secret or not, I had a right. "It's about your father's

reasing his perfect forehead. "It'

always complicated

I saw it. The Pat

his wrist, a co

fferent. More like a bran

eston society things Ethan insisted we attend, th

r, heads close. She' d place her hand on his ar

an outsider. The shrimp cockta

a dull ache n

overheard two older w

e hushed, but th

sandra. So brave.

proud. And Ethan, su

er. "Did you see that man earlier? The one

me people ha

ed up. I scan

portly man with grabby hands. He leaned in too

comfortable, her

ven process it,

dn't make a scene. He just appeared a

irm to the man, who quickly b

assie away, his arm protec

tect her was so imm

smoke-filled corridors alone.