Chapter 3

3.

I sat in the cold living room all night, like a damn statue.

Damon took one bite of the gumbo and immediately started coughing violently, pushing his plate away.

"Jesus! Lily, what the hell is this? Are you trying to murder me?" he yelled, chugging a glass of ice water.

I stood up and started clearing the table.

"It's Cajun style. It's not like I expected you to be home for dinner anyway."

His hand shot out and clamped around my wrist like a steel trap.

"That's it? That's all you have to say?"

I shook him off, my voice cold. "What do you want me to say? Thank you for finally remembering you have a wife after being three days late?"

He opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

What was he expecting? For me to make him a warm bowl of oatmeal and wait up for him like I used to whenever he worked late?

Just as I got into bed, my phone buzzed. It was a WhatsApp message from my former boss, Sloane.

【Hey Lily, as your former boss and BFF, I'm confirming one last time―are you really passing on that position in Canary Wharf, London?】

【As much as I want you here, I know that giant baby you call a husband can't live without you.】

I replied with a bitter smile: 【Don't worry, Sloane.】

【This time, I'm serious. I'm in.】

A year ago, our company expanded to London, and they had been holding a Regional VP position for me.

Sloane had mentioned it to me many times―it was a golden opportunity, double the salary, and a full expat package.

I was tempted, but the only thing holding me back was Damon.