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Chapter 15

Author: Viral Ink
last update Last Updated: 2025-06-20 21:16:05

The kitchen was warm with morning light, but it felt like a trap.

The soft golden rays touched everything—the marble counter, the ceramic plates, the photo of Jayden in his Halloween costume—but none of it felt safe. My hands moved like they belonged to someone else, flipping pancakes, slicing strawberries, pouring juice in his dinosaur cup.

All the things a good mother did.

All the things a perfect wife should.

I heard Jonathan's footsteps before I saw him.

His cologne reached me first, that expensive mix of leather and pine I used to crave. Now it made my stomach twist.

He came up behind me, arms wrapping around my waist like we were still that couple. Why was he still doing this? His lips brushed my cheek.

“Good morning, beautiful.”

I smiled. Trained. “Morning.”

He leaned against the counter like he belonged there, gaze resting on me with too much ease. Watching. Always watching.

“Have you seen my silver watch? The one with the blue face. I could’ve sworn I left it on the dresser.”
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