“I made you something,” he continued, almost careful now. “Strawberry cake. Your favorite. Do you want to get up and eat a little?”
I pulled my hand away when he tried to touch me. “No. I’m not hungry.”
His hand stayed in the air for a second before dropping. He sighed. “Don’t lie to me. You’re still angry, aren’t you?”
I didn’t respond.
He leaned forward a bit. “After I finish this busy period, I’ll take you out. There’s a concert coming up, one you used to like. We can go together, just us. Would you like that?”
I turned my face away, staring at my hair falling over my shoulder. I stayed silent.
He pressed his lips together, then reached for my hand again, holding it this time. “Wife… Chiara prepared something for you. An animal show. She said she wants to apologize properly. At least go take a look, okay?”
“I don’t want to,” I said quietly.
He didn’t listen. Of course he didn’t.
Without another word, he lifted me into his arms and carried me downstairs.
The night air hit me hard. Cold. Sharp.
I was only in a thin nightgown, and my body started shaking almost immediately. But he didn’t notice. Or maybe he did, and just didn’t care enough.