I turned toward the kitchen before the shame could drag me down. The silence in the kitchen was louder than the city outside. Tears streaming.
I cooked, but my hands moved on autopilot. Garlic, onions, peppers—the knife slicing through vegetables like it was slicing through my skin.
From the hall, Zoraya’s voice floated back, sweet and sharp. “You think Savannah’s mad I’m here, Zeus?”
Zeus didn’t even hesitate. “She’s not my wife. She doesn’t get to be mad. End of story.”
Her laugh was low, teasing. “Oh, I’m not mad. Just… surprised she’s so quiet. Usually, she puts up a fight.”
His reply was quiet, dangerous. “She’s tired. Let her rest in silence.”
I stood there, stirring the pot, every word sinking like a blade.
When I brought the food to the table, Zoraya was already there, lounging like she was queen of the castle.
“Thanks, sweetheart,” she said to Zeus, brushing a crumb off his lip with her fingers.
Zeus’s eyes never left me.
“You’ll eat. You need strength.”
She winked at me, lips curved in a cruel little smile.
“Don’t mind me, Savannah. I’m just here for the free meal.”