By the weekend, I was seated in the living room, submitting applications for work, when the front door opened. The scent of pine and cedar filled the room, unmistakably his.
I looked up. He looked different. More worn. His usual confident stance was still there, but his eyes were shadowed, his jaw tighter than usual.
I forced myself to remain calm, closing my laptop before meeting his gaze head-on. “Since you’re finally back, let’s talk about the divorce agreement.”
Benedict’s expression hardened. “I already told you; I won’t divorce you.”
My fingers curled into fists. “Then why are you here?”
“To remind you that we have a pack gathering tonight.”
I exhaled sharply. Every month, Benedict and I were expected to attend some pack meetings. His relatives despised me. Before, I endured it because I loved him, because I believed he loved me too. But after what I saw, I refused to pretend anymore.
“I’m not going,” I said firmly. “Go without me.”
Benedict’s eyes flashed with impatience. “Stop acting like a kid throwing a tantrum.”
I let out a humorless laugh. “You think this is a tantrum? I just want to be free of you.”