Chapter 2

That evening,I went to our new house.

We had bought it the year before.

I had used every cent I had saved from part-time jobs in college and from working after graduation for the down payment.

While Ethan was busy at construction sites during the renovations,I went to home-improvement stores after work to choose the flooring and lights.

But when I opened the door,Claire was sitting on the sofa in my slippers.

Her eyes were red.She stood as soon as she saw me.

“Erin,don’t misunderstand.Dad was transferred to a nearby hospital tonight.Ethan thought it would be too exhausting for me to travel back and forth,so he told me to rest here for a while.Don’t worry.I won’t touch your things.”

She was holding my mug.

It was one of a matching pair I had bought for Ethan and me to use after we got married.

Ethan came out of the kitchen with a spatula in his hand.

“Why are you here?”

I looked at him.“This is my house.Am I not allowed to come?”

His face stiffened.“That isn’t what I meant.Claire’s had a long day,and it wouldn’t be convenient for her to stay alone in a hotel.”

Claire hurriedly put down the mug.“Erin,I’m sorry.This is all my fault.Please don’t fight with Ethan.He hasn’t eaten all day.”

She reached for her bag.

After two steps,she swayed.

Ethan immediately caught her.“Why are you pushing yourself?”

Tears slid down Claire’s cheeks.

“I don’t want to upset Erin.”

Ethan looked at me,torn.

“Erin,her father is still in the ICU.Let her stay tonight.I’ll take her back to the hospital tomorrow.”

I laughed.

“You really need my permission?”

He missed the meaning in my words and thought I had agreed.

“Thank you.”

That simple thank-you hurt more than any argument could have.

Claire moved into the guest room that night.

That room was supposed to become my study.I had imagined grading papers at the desk beside the window.

My nightgown had been pushed onto the back of a chair.Claire’s lace underwear,skincare products,and perfume covered the desk,and even my jewelry box had been shoved into a corner.

She explained carefully,“I thought my things might be in the way outside,so I put them here.I’ll clean everything up tomorrow.”

Ethan ladled soup in the kitchen.“Erin,come eat.Your stomach is sensitive.Don’t stay hungry just because you’re angry.”

He sounded so natural.

As if we’d only had an ordinary argument.

I sat at the dining table and looked at the two place settings.

Ethan paused,then returned to the kitchen for a third.

Claire spoke softly.“I’m not hungry.You two eat.I’ll go to my room.”

Ethan frowned.

“Your blood sugar is low.You need to eat.Sit down.”

She glanced at me before slowly taking her seat.

I did not touch a single bite of dinner.