AFTER DARK
Like this was a business deal already concluded.
A transaction.
My fingers tightened around the gift box on my lap.
“And my husband?” I asked.
“Still in Bali,” she said flatly. “Living his best life.”
Of course he was.
He was a man and I was a woman.
That was why.
I exhaled slowly, forcing my spine straight. If Father expected tears, humiliation, or obedience, he was going to be disappointed.
I’d cried enough for one lifetime.
My sister-in-law hesitated, then leaned closer. “If it helps,” she said softly, “the brother I’m married to is worse. Jamie didn’t raise his sons they just grew.”