Rejected by my Husband novel Chapter 2

The clock ticked louder with every passing minute. Nine o’clock. The hands on the wall mocked me with their steady rhythm. He said he’d be home before evening. Evening had bled into night, and still, I sat alone.

I had dressed for him. A soft dress he always liked, the one that hugged me just enough to make his eyes darken. I had even slipped on lipstick, something I hadn’t done in weeks. The table was set, candles flickering, and in the oven, his favorite lasagna with extra meat, just the way he loved it.

The bell had rung, and I had opened the door with my heart racing, only for my smile to die the instant I saw her standing beside him. Natalie. She carried herself with easy grace, her perfume filling the air as if she belonged here.

I let them in, silent, cold. The candles still burned on the table, the lasagna sat waiting, but the sight of her at his side stole away all the hunger I had.

Reid noticed the food and gave me a smile. “You even made lasagna? Karline, you spoil me.”

I forced a nod, lowering my eyes. “I thought… we’d have dinner together.”

Natalie slid into the chair opposite him, her smile bright. “It smells wonderful. Karline, you really are amazing.”

I sat at the table, pushing the food around my plate. Reid and Natalie fell into their own rhythm, talking about their childhood, about places and names that meant nothing to me.

“Do you remember the time we skipped class to go to the lake?” Natalie’s laugh rang across the table.

Reid chuckled, his eyes warming. “How could I forget? You nearly drowned and blamed me for pushing you in.”

“You did push me,” she teased.

Their laughter filled the space between us. I pressed my lips together, setting my fork down with a soft clink. My appetite was gone.

“I think I’ll go lie down,” I said quietly, rising from my seat.

Reid’s laughter faded as he looked at me, surprise flickering in his eyes. “You’re going to bed already?”

“I’m tired,” I murmured, avoiding his gaze.

He frowned slightly, leaning back in his chair. “Baby, are you okay? You barely touched your food.”

“I’m fine,” I lied, my voice cool.

Natalie shifted uncomfortably, but Reid’s eyes stayed on me. “Karline…” he said softly, as if he wanted me to explain.

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