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"Adrian, do you even hear yourself right now?"
"I just don't want this to end! Six years! We can't throw that away over... outside stuff!"
He sounded almost frantic.
"Emma, I admit... I was curious about your condition. But that was before! I knew you. I screwed up. Just give me one chance. Please?"
I'd have melted hearing this before.
Now, it just sounded pathetic.
When I shut him down again, he persisted.
He showing up outside my office building.
Just to hand me lunchboxes he claimed made himself.
My coworkers gushed, "Emma, your husband is so sweet!"
Adrian couldn’t cook to save his life.
Early in our marriage, he'd occasionally surprise me.
The results were usually disastrous.
I'd pretended to love it.
In recent years, his arrogance had taken over.
Cooking for me? Not a chance.
He believed my place was to serve, not be served.
Living on my own, I felt free.
My only regret was the time I’d wasted.
His pathetic attempts to win me back only made me more sure.
It was Sophie Parker's birthday.
A few friends and I were celebrating at a restaurant.
We bumped into Benjamin Cole having dinner with some colleagues.
After Sophie heard about what happened at the hospital, she insisted Benjamin to join us.
After dinner, she dragged everyone to a karaoke bar down the street.
I stepped into the hall to take a call.
When I turned around, Adrian was right there.
"Emma! I had no idea you were here!" His face lit with false delight.
He grabbed my hand before I could react.
"Perfect! I'm here with some students. They've been dying to meet you!"
He dragged me towards a private room, ignoring me completely.
Inside, the lights were dim, the air thick.
He pushed me to the front like some kind of trophy, "Everyone, this is my wife, Emma Wilson! Mrs. Miller!"
Other than when he needed me for his research, Adrian never introduced me to his students.
If I ever asked why, he'd snap, "Look at yourself! Why embarrass us both? I have a reputation!"
The students shifted uncomfortably.
Their eyes kept flicking toward Chloe Richards.
They mumbled a half-hearted, "Hello, Mrs.Miller."
The dislike in the room was thick. They were all Team Chloe.
The awkwardness was unreadable.
Adrian, totally clueless, kept beaming.
He brushed off his jacket sleeves, "Emma, remember this coat?"
I glanced at the obviously dry-cleaned blazer, "You hated it."
"No! Never! I love everything you give me," he said too quickly. "Those lunches... were they okay? I’m not much of a cook, you know—"
"Adrian." I cut him off, my voice flat. "Aren't you germaphobic? That coat was on the floor under someone's shoes. Surprised you’d still wear it."
I paused, "Also, stop bringing me lunch. It's annoying."
He looked completely thrown.
Was that... hurt in his eyes?
I didn't care.
I stood up, my gaze landing on Chloe, who'd been sitting silent and sour since I entered.
"Since I'm clearly not welcome, I’m leaving. Enjoy your night."
"Don't go, Emma!" Adrian yelled, frantic.
He whirled on Chloe, "What's with the attitude? Who do you think you are? Apologize to my wife! NOW!"
Chloe stared at him, stunned.
Tears sprang to her eyes instantly.
With a choked sob, she ran out of the room.
The other students glared at me like I was the villain.
One guy shot up and ran after her.
I didn't care.
I pushed past Adrian's grasping hand. "My friends are waiting."
"Please! Just listen! I haven't been alone with Chloe! I told her it's over! No more private meetings!" He followed me into the hallway, desperate.
"Just one more chance?"
I spotted Sophie and Benjamin down the hall.
"Soph! Over here!"
Sophie saw Adrian crowding me and marched ove.
"Adrian Miller! Back off! Haven't you put her through enough? Using your wife as a lab rat? You're disgusting!"
Adrian tried to speak, but Benjamin stepped forward.
His expression went cold. Fury twisted his features.
He swung a punch straight at Benjamin's face.
