14. Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Sam

As much as I wanted to think things would change, they didn't.

I continued working long hours, and Ava found friends and a life outside our home. My heart raced as I watched Ava slip her sandals on, the straps wrapping around her ankles in a dance of casualty that screamed freedom. She had plans—plans that didn't include me—and the thought was a serrated edge sawing at my insides.

"Where did you say you were going again?" My voice came out all wrong, tight and edged, with a note that sounded suspiciously like desperation.

Ava paused, her fingers stilling over the buckle. "Sam, we talked about this. I'm just meeting up with Sarah at a bar around the corner. It's nothing for you to worry about."

I force a smile, not wanting to dampen her enthusiasm. "Sounds fun. I missed you, though."

I knew it was wrong of me to try and make her feel guilty, but I wanted to spend time with her and have her all to myself.

Ava's smile falters slightly. "I missed you, too. How was work?" She asks, as she applies a layer of lip gloss.

The act drives me wild, and I want to pull her to me and kiss all of that gloss off her plump lips. Instead, I stand where I am and respond.

"Long," I sigh. "I was hoping we could spend some time together tonight."

"Oh, Sam," Ava says, her voice softening. "I'm sorry. Lately, I never know when you will be home, and I guess I just wanted to go out and have some fun. We'll do something tomorrow, okay?"

I nod, but the knot in my stomach tightens. I know she gets sick of being alone, but I need her here with me, too.

"Ok, I just wish you could cancel your plans for me," I explain. "But I get that you need your own time."

I see her smile fade and I know she feels conflicted.

"Are you sure you're okay with this?" Ava straightened, concern knitting her brows together. "You seem... off."

"Of course," I lied, plastering on a smile as brittle as thin ice. "Go, have fun."

As much as I want to beg her not to go, I don't. I swore I would let her breathe and I need to do that, even if it kills me.

But when the door clicked shut behind her, the walls pressed in, and my chest tightened. Alone with my thoughts, they turned into traitors, whispering doubts and scenarios where Ava found someone better, someone less controlling.