Chapter 3

3.

I tried to scream and hit Arthur as he sat there faking his tears.

"What are you doing? Arrest him! He's the killer! He pushed me!"

Arthur gave his statement. Even though he was the prime suspect, they couldn't find my body or any hard evidence.

I was so stupid. I actually had hope that he would eventually appreciate my sacrifices.

A few weeks ago, he had started acting so tenderly toward me. I fell for it.

"Quinn, I've been a monster. Can you ever forgive me? Let's start over and be happy again."

I was terrified of him, but this time, he didn't reach for a screwdriver to poke at my skin.

Instead, he held out a box of those honey pecan bars.

I took a bite. That familiar taste made me remember the man I used to love.

I remembered when I sprained my ankle years ago. I was crying like a baby.

Arthur carried me all the way home on his back. He was drenched in sweat and his arms were shaking, but he didn't complain.

He just called me his "precious girl."

He was the man I truly loved. I told myself he was just a man who made mistakes, and I should give him a second chance.

I looked at that "Wife of the Year" plaque on the wall and let him take my calloused hand.

"Okay," I whispered. "Let's try again."