en's

he screams stuck in my throat, my hand

t, but a cold, sharp feeling had pulled me here.

ook at me like I was everything, was on th

air, was laughing, her back to the door

the rushed calls, the way his eyes went blank when I talked about anyt

to hear. I pulled back as my heart beat like a drum. I di

used to be. For a moment, I just stood there, the hotel h

ng to Perry that made him smile, a real,

o close the door. What was the point?

y to fix things, was a total failure, Pe

f big plans that included me, no

stopped completely. Our bed, once a

ses, a rich life I never wanted, all while h

ust a few weeks ago, back home. It wa

, but it felt delicate as Perry walked in, loosening his tie. The s

u know how it is. Deals don't close themselves.

omach, a cold dread creeping in. "And you never text back. I just.

Talk? Imogen, we have everything! What more is there to

then, he just walked pa

eded to see who this woman was, this quick replac

e was tall, with a confident swing to her hips. Her d

, she looked back at Perry,

out, her high heels clicking softly, she didn't see me. I waited a

bout something ugly waking up inside me, a da

erry, but for myself, for the respect Pe

the hotel, I hailed another one, m

said, the words feeli

garette hanging from his lips, jus

leek, new apartment building, very dif

, according to the nameplate by the doorbell, paused at her apartment door on the th

ssi?" I c

d smart, looking at me up like I meant noth

she asked, her vo

. Perry's wife," I s

rop, in fact, it got wider,

t can I do for you, Mrs. Cullen

m my husband," I demanded, m

ice steady, but a tremo

ot the one chasing him." She leaned against the doorframe, looking annoyingly ca

e. The arrogance, the clear disre

again, my voice rising sl

you for months. Says you're cold, boring, that you don't appreciate him anymore." She stepped closer, her eyes shining with mean fun. "He wants me, h

And this woman, this stranger, was tearing apart my marr

about our marriage," I whis

y, sweetie, you should just stay in your place. Accept your pretty little life, the one he bought for you. He's ne

calm. The coldness, the emptiness of my bed, the years of quiet w

woman's eyes went wide in surprise, then fear as

d echoed in th

lling at my wrists. "What the fu-

all the years of feeling invisible, of be

lled. The struggle stopped, a last, desperate shu

mpled pile of red silk and dark hair. I stared do

no panic, only a deep