The cracks widened further when Kaia wandered through the house one afternoon, only to trip over a package I had left by the door. She hit her forehead on the sharp corner of the counter, leaving a red welt behind.
Kael’s reaction was immediate and fierce. His eyes filled with panic as he scooped her into his arms, his voice a cold reprimand.
“Skylar! If you can’t keep your things in order, then throw them out! All of it!”
“Take your pile of junk and get out!”
He didn’t even glance my way as he stormed out, holding Kaia close, rushing her to the hospital like she was his world.
He didn’t notice my trembling hand clutching my stomach or how pale I had grown from the sharp pain flaring within me. My stomach problems were back, a relentless reminder of all the times he’d overlooked me.
As his figure disappeared through the doorway, I whispered a quiet promise to myself. “Alright.”
If this was what he wanted, I would grant his wish.
For the days that followed, I let go of everything. I stopped asking, stopped interfering, stopped existing in his orbit. Whatever he requested, I agreed without a second thought.
Ironically, my silence softened him. Kael’s anger melted, replaced by a strange tenderness that came too late.
That night, I finished drafting my resignation letter and sent it to my boss’s email. It felt like quietly closing a chapter I no longer wished to be a part of.
Kael walked in, carrying a cup of steaming water. His voice was soft, almost tender. “Skylar, why have you been staying up so late these days?”
Before I could respond, he wrapped his arms around me from behind. His breath warmed the side of my neck as he pressed gentle kisses into the curve of my shoulder.
“Kaia isn’t here tonight,” he murmured, his voice deepening. “We could…”
His breathing grew heavier, laced with a desire that no longer moved me.
I shifted away, frowning as I spoke softly, “I’m not feeling well today.”
The light in his eyes dimmed, and he forced a smile, reaching out to ruffle my hair in that familiar, patronizing way. But I stepped back, my expression blank, my silence louder than any rejection.
His touch, once comforting, now left me feeling repulsed.
A memory surfaced, sharp and unwelcome. Just a week ago, on a stormy night, the thunder had shaken the walls, and Kaia had crept into our room, her voice trembling as she clung to him.
“Kael, I’m scared…”