L
My stomach churned. “Throw it away. I don’t
want it.”
His face darkened. “What’s wrong with you?! I went out of my way! I just transferred the house to Chloe, and you’re being difficult. I’m still letting you live there! She was just
grateful her son has a stable home! And you went and made a snarky comment! I haven’t even brought that up yet!”
I was exhausted, physically and emotionally. “You misunderstood. I was just confused
because the address on the deed was our
address…”
He cut me off. “Misunderstood?! Chloe’s right about you! You’re always so angry, so unforgiving! Any time I talk to another woman, you get jealous and paranoid! There’s
something wrong with you!”
Before, I would have argued, tried to make
him see. Now, I just stared.
L
When his rant was finally over, I asked quietly,
“Done? Can you turn off the lights?”
He glared at me and slammed the door on his
way out, leaving the lights on. Another slam
echoed moments later the front door this
time. Usually, when he stormed out to Chloe’s
after a fight, I’d lie awake all night. Tonight, I
slept soundly.
The next day, I contacted a lawyer, starting
the divorce process. Ethan disappeared for
three days. I saw him next in a vacation photo
posted by his friend, Carl. A group shot of
them with their friends. Ethan and Chloe
stood side by side, wearing matching outfits,
Chloe beaming. I liked the post.
Ethan called immediately. “I’ll pick you up
later. We’re going to the beach with some
friends.” He added, “I didn’t have to invite
you, you know. Consider it a reward for your
good behavior lately.”
“Okay,” I said. The divorce was already in
motion. I didn’t want to alert him.
<
He picked me up, surprisingly without Chloe.
At the beach, Carl greeted me. “Sorry about
the other night, Olivia. I organized that get-
together and should have given you a heads-
- up. I’ll take a penalty shot for that later.” He
was publicly smoothing things over, making
me look good.
“It’s fine,” I said vaguely. “Work’s been crazy
lately.”
“Heard you convinced those top execs to
open a branch in Springfield. Congrats!” More
L
polite small talk.
“We’re considering it,” I said noncommittally.
Ethan marched over, scowling. “Springfield?
Why didn’t you tell me? I haven’t approved
that!”
I turned and looked at his furious face. The
air thickened with tension.
Ethan continued his interrogation. Carl awkwardly tried to defuse the situation, suggesting they start the barbecue.
Once the grill was going, Ethan sat next to me, looking unusually anxious. “I promised Chloe I’d transfer the house back after her son finishes elementary school. And, you know, it’s my house. I don’t even have to explain myself to you.”
“Okay,” I said calmly.
