"That's the day I have set with my friend. If you tag along, it'll just be awkward."

I watched every shift in her expression, pressing the point.

"Can't you make an exception? Just once?"

Sonia's face went blank for a split second. A flicker of guilt crossed her features before she puffed out her cheeks in mock anger.

"What's gotten into you today? You've always been so supportive before."

"I told you, it's a girls' hangout. You're a grown man tagging along. What's my friend going to think? You want her saying I lost all my freedom the second I got married?"

Watching her rattle off those well-rehearsed deflections, I let out a quiet laugh and calmly pulled my arm free.

"Fine. Forget it."

I stood, gathered the plates, and carried them into the kitchen. Every dish, stone cold, went straight into the trash.

Over the sound of running water, Sonia shot a quick glance my way, then slipped out onto the balcony.

"Mm-hm, I'm home. You get some sleep too."

"I know, I know. First of next month, same place."

I turned off the faucet and walked over. My gaze landed on her phone screen. The contact name read Lucas Harding.

"Was that your girlfriend calling?"

Sonia nearly jumped out of her skin. She fumbled the phone behind her back.

"Why are you out here already? Done with the dishes?"

"It was my friend. She was just checking if I got home safe, asking if I was in bed yet."

Then she looked at me, something searching in her eyes.

"Seriously, what is with you tonight? Did you hear something?"

I let the corner of my mouth curl up.

"Just asking. Didn't want you staying up too late. You need your rest."

The tension drained from Sonia's eyes. She relaxed and looped her arm through mine again.

"Hey, honey. Miss me already?"

"It's only been one day and you're already this clingy. Can't a grown man have a little dignity?"

She ran her fingers playfully across my chest as she spoke.

The scent of her perfume hit me instantly, flooding my nostrils. I stepped back without thinking, dodging her embrace.

"I pulled overtime today too. I'm beat. Let's just get some sleep."

I turned and headed for the bedroom without looking back. I didn't see the surprise on her face.

Sonia didn't try to stop me. She hummed her way to the bathroom in a perfectly good mood.

I lay in bed, and images flickered through my mind like scenes from a movie.

I'd known about Sonia's male best friend before we got married.