Chapter 2

The clock ticked louder with every passing minute. Nine o’clock. The hands on the wall mocked me with their steady rhythm. He said he’d be home before evening. Evening had bled into night, and still, I sat alone.

I had dressed for him. A soft dress he always liked, the one that hugged me just enough to make his eyes darken. I had even slipped on lipstick, something I hadn’t done in weeks. The table was set, candles flickering, and in the oven, his favorite lasagna with extra meat, just the way he loved it.

The bell had rung, and I had opened the door with my heart racing, only for my smile to die the instant I saw her standing beside him. Natalie. She carried herself with easy grace, her perfume filling the air as if she belonged here.

I let them in, silent, cold. The candles still burned on the table, the lasagna sat waiting, but the sight of her at his side stole away all the hunger I had.

Reid noticed the food and gave me a smile. “You even made lasagna? Karline, you spoil me.”

I forced a nod, lowering my eyes. “I thought… we’d have dinner together.”

Natalie slid into the chair opposite him, her smile bright. “It smells wonderful. Karline, you really are amazing.”

I sat at the table, pushing the food around my plate. Reid and Natalie fell into their own rhythm, talking about their childhood, about places and names that meant nothing to me.

“Do you remember the time we skipped class to go to the lake?” Natalie’s laugh rang across the table.

Reid chuckled, his eyes warming. “How could I forget? You nearly drowned and blamed me for pushing you in.”

“You did push me,” she teased.

Their laughter filled the space between us. I pressed my lips together, setting my fork down with a soft clink. My appetite was gone.

“I think I’ll go lie down,” I said quietly, rising from my seat.

Reid’s laughter faded as he looked at me, surprise flickering in his eyes. “You’re going to bed already?”

“I’m tired,” I murmured, avoiding his gaze.

He frowned slightly, leaning back in his chair. “Baby, are you okay? You barely touched your food.”

“I’m fine,” I lied, my voice cool.

Natalie shifted uncomfortably, but Reid’s eyes stayed on me. “Karline…” he said softly, as if he wanted me to explain.

I offered a tight smile. “Enjoy your dinner. Good night.”

Before he could say more, I turned and walked toward the bedroom. My heart pounded, my throat ached with words I didn’t want to say in front of her.

Behind me, I heard Reid’s voice, lower this time. “She’s not usually like this. I’ll check on her later.”

The door closed behind me, muffling their voices, but not the ache in my chest. I lay down in bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering if Reid even realized how far away from me he already felt.

I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. The laughter from the dining room had faded, replaced by the muffled hum of conversation and then the sound of the front door closing. Silence followed.

A moment later, I heard footsteps. Steady. Familiar. They stopped at the bedroom door.

“Karline,” Reid’s voice was low, careful. He pushed the door open, his tall frame filling the doorway. “She’s gone.”

I didn’t answer. I shifted on the bed, turning my back toward him. My chest tightened when I felt the mattress dip as he sat beside me.

He reached out, brushing his fingers over my arm. “Baby, talk to me. Why did you leave the table like that?”

I swallowed hard, fighting to keep my voice steady. “You seemed… comfortable enough without me there.”

His brows drew together, his hand pausing. “What does that mean?”

I finally turned, meeting his eyes. “You promised me today. You said you’d be back before evening. Instead, you walked in at nine at night..with her.” My voice cracked on the last word.

Reid sighed, dragging a hand through his hair. “I know I’m late. I didn’t realize it would take so long. Natalie just… needed someone to talk to about the case. She’s been through a lot.”

“And I haven’t?” My words came sharper than I intended. “Do you know how it felt? Sitting there in this dress, waiting… cooking your favorite meal, only for you to walk in with another woman by your side?”

His eyes softened, and he cupped my cheek. “Don’t say that. You know what you mean to me. Karline, you’re my wife. My everything. I would never put anyone above you.”

“Then why,” I whispered, tears threatening, “do I feel like I’m losing you to her?”

Reid leaned closer, pressing his forehead to mine. His voice dropped to a plea. “You’re not losing me. You’ll never lose me. Natalie is just my friend. You… you are my present. My future. My wife.”

I wanted to believe him. His lips brushed mine gently, his breath warm, his words sealing the space between us. But the ache in my chest lingered, the image of them laughing together still sharp in my mind.

When he kissed me deeper, I let him, because part of me still craved him, his warmth, his touch, his love. Yet somewhere in the back of my heart, doubt whispered like a shadow that refused to leave.