Chapter 3

He took a deep, jagged breath.

"Fine. Maybe I didn't pay enough attention to how you felt tonight. I apologize."

"Now take back the word 'divorce.' I don't want to hear it again."

"I won't take it back."

"Chloe!"

"Why are you shouting?"

My voice overpowered his.

"You think whoever yells loudest is in the right?"

"When you humiliated me in front of her tonight, did you give a single damn about my feelings? And now you have the nerve to yell at me?"

His chest heaved violently.

"So you're keeping score? Because I peeled her a shrimp and didn't peel one for you? Because I chatted with her and didn't chat with you? Chloe, when did you become so narrow-minded?"

"Yeah, that's right. I am narrow-minded."

I walked to the door and shoved past him.

"I'm narrow-minded, so I can't tolerate a husband whose heart belongs to another woman. Are you satisfied now?"

I stepped back into the guest room and looked him in the eye.

"I'm contacting a divorce lawyer tomorrow. We can discuss asset division then."

With that, I shut the door in his face and locked it.

Silence hung on the other side for a few seconds before a loud, heavy thud echoed.

He punched the door.

"Chloe! Open this door! Let's talk like adults!"

I ignored him.

His footsteps stomped away, followed by the heavy slam of the master bedroom door.

Before today, I never imagined my marriage would end up like this.

The next morning, voices woke me up.

Someone was talking in the living room—a man and a woman.

Lucas.

And Vivian.

On the coffee table sat a hot breakfast spread: fresh bagels, artisan coffee, and bakery takeout containers.

Vivian saw me and immediately stood up, plastering on a warm smile.

"Morning! I brought breakfast. Come join us."

Her casual tone made it sound like this was her own apartment.

I stood by the guest room doorway, watching this absurd scene unfold.

"Why is she here?"

Lucas set down his coffee mug and cleared his throat.

"The plumbing and wiring in her old apartment are broken. It's unsafe."

"She's staying with us temporarily until the repairs are done."

I walked slowly into the center of the living room, shifting my gaze between Lucas and Vivian.

"Say that again?"

"She's crashing here for a few days."

"I don't agree."

Vivian's smile froze instantly.

Lucas finally looked up at me, irritation creeping into his voice.

"Chloe, could you stop being so unreasonable? She's a single girl who just got back to town, doesn't know anyone, and her place is unlivable. What's wrong with helping her out for a couple of days?"

"And what about me?"

I walked over to the dining table, remaining on my feet.

"I'm your wife. I said no. I own half of this apartment, and I have the right to decide who sleeps under this roof."

Vivian waved her hands frantically, putting on a deeply wounded expression.

"Please don't be mad. It really is just for a few days."

"If you truly mind, I'll just leave. It's just that the old building is really..."

"You can get a hotel," I cut her off.

"Hotels are expensive! She just returned and hasn't settled into a job yet—"

"What does that have to do with me?"

I rounded on Lucas.

"Whether she has a job or money for a hotel, what does that have to do with you? What does that have to do with this house?"

Lucas stood up, real fury in his eyes.

"Chloe, do you have to be so heartless? She's my friend. Helping a friend in need is basic human decency!"

"Helping a friend."

I repeated the words slowly.

"Your idea of helping is letting her move into our home, so that every morning I wake up to your ex-girlfriend eating breakfast in my living room?"

Tears welled up in Vivian's eyes, her voice trembling.

"Chloe, I swear I have no ulterior motives."

"Lucas and I are purely platonic friends. It's been so many years—if I wanted to break you two up, why would I wait until now? Please don't misunderstand."

I turned my head toward her.

"I already told you, I haven't misunderstood anything. Save the drama, you don't need to put on a performance for me."

"Chloe!"

Lucas shouted.

"Enough! You've been throwing a tantrum since last night! Will you ever stop?!"

I stared at him coldly.

"I said, I don't agree. This house has room for me or her. You pick."