Chapter 7

Mia

Curled up in the guest bedroom, I sniffle after hearing a knock on the door. It’d better not be him because, after a night of crying my heart out after thinking I was about to die, I’m about to punch him if I ever see his face again.

“Mrs Malone, it’s Maria.” Her sweet and caring voice escapes the door. “Can I come in?”

I sit on the bed, trying to pull my hair in some sort of presentable shape. Maria is in her black and white uniform, her short brown hair impeccable and a soft smile dancing on her lips as if she carries all the goodness of the world in her. I don’t know if she has children, but I’d bet she’d be the kindest mother anyone could wish for.

“Here,” she says calmly, putting a breakfast silver tray on the foot of the bed. “The doctor will be there in an hour. Call me if you need anything,” she says.

“I, yes, thank you so much.” I’m genuinely grateful for her being here with me in this big empty house.

“Anything, really.” She nods at me with a spark as if she had been worried about me. I nod back before turning my face away, sensing the tears coming up again. She’s so good, she doesn’t even let it become uncomfortable and disappears in the hallway. I glance at the tray and notice she chose different things than the usual breakfast they serve me, which I basically only cut into small pieces and push around the corner of each plate as if I had eaten something. This time, all I find is green tea with a bowl of yogurt and fresh berries on the side. As if Ares had told her about my taste from his observation at our wedding.

No, don’t you dare be grateful for this man.

There’s a small envelope on the side, next to a small pink notebook and a glittery pen.

Strange, I would have never thought Ares had that kind of supplies in his home.

I don’t know what’s in the envelope but whatever it is, I’m not ready to forgive him anytime soon. But curiosity takes the best of me. I open it and find a hand-written letter. Reading it quickly, I clench my jaw and stare out the window.

This man.

THIS FREAKING MAN.

What am I gonna do with him?

Ares

Mia,

You have every right to be mad. I wouldn’t expect any mercy, especially not from you. Write in the notebook every food and stuff you like and I’ll make sure Larry only makes them for you from now on.

The doc will come check on you this morning. Let him do it. Please.

I know it took too fucking long for you to get out of the house but I needed time to find the best team. Here’s two phone numbers of men I’d trust with my life. You want to go out, you call them, they’ll accompany you everywhere.

Take your time being angry but come back to our bed tonight.

Can’t fucking stand my wife not sleeping next to me.

- A