Sometimes, the hardest part of a relationship isn’t what people say out loud—it’s everything they never say at all. The misunderstandings, the assumptions, the quiet doubts… they build up until one small moment changes everything.
My husband said he needed to have dinner with his childhood friend when suddenly I heard his thoughts.
Please get jealous and ask to come. Just say it and I’ll take you. Then you’ll see it’s only business. Besides me and Wendy, there will be several guys there too. Why aren’t you saying anything? You probably married me just for our family’s arrangement and don’t love me at all. You’re probably already thinking about divorce and running back to your ex. Fine, I’ll draft divorce papers tomorrow. I’ll stop loving you first.
I was about to head to my bedroom but turned around. I grabbed the man who’d been changing his shoes at the door for ten minutes and said calmly, “You’re not going. You have to eat dinner with me.”
My husband, Michael, in his black down jacket, frowned lightly. His eyes lingered on our clasped hands and for a moment his lips curved upward. But quickly he pushed my hand away and said flatly, “Be good. It’s just a business meeting. Mr. Wilson and others will be there too. I’ll be back soon.”
His coldness made me wonder if I’d imagined his thoughts. I touched my chin, uncertain about what he really wanted.
Then his thoughts came again.
The moment she heard Mr. Wilson would be there, she stopped trying to keep me home. She’s probably worried about losing his investment in the Johnson family business. Clearly, money and business are more important to her than I am. I’m just a tool for her to make money and attract investors.
As his thoughts faded, Michael gave me an expressionless glance and turned to open the door.
Hmm.
He puts on this cold face like he doesn’t care about anyone, but inside his head, he’s completely overwhelmed by his own insecurities.
And oddly enough, I love controlling the situation.
I grabbed the remote from the counter and locked the mansion’s main door. I firmly took Michael’s hand and walked toward the kitchen.
“You’re not going. You have to cook for me. All the housekeepers are on holiday. If you leave, what will I eat?”