Chapter 156

Iwake up in his arms, and for a split second, it’s glorious. His solid chest rises and falls beneath my cheek, our legs tangled up together between the sheets, our bodies melted into one. I sigh and slowly awaken. As soon as I do, the horrors of the day before crash down on me. Freddie. Nathan. Sitting alone in Greenwich Village after Elijah discarded me like a used tissue. The journey back here and my gradual descent into emotional chaos. Being unable to eat or drink and getting sick with nothing but bile to purge from my stomach. I cried until my eyes were gritty and swollen, and as soon as I drifted off into a restless doze, Elijah was hammering on my door. I don’t regret letting him stay—I slept surprisingly well wrapped up in my husband. My mind allowed itself to be hoodwinked, let me feel safe for one night. But now, as the bright winter sunlight creeps in around the drapes, a new day begins. I take deep breaths and try to steady myself before panic can grab hold of me. I’m not a