Chapter 3

The next morning, James sat at the breakfast table as though nothing had happened, casually eating his omelet and toast.

He probably assumed my words from last night were nothing more than empty threats spoken in anger, something I would forget after a good night's sleep. After three years of marriage, I had always been so "gentle and understanding."

When he saw me descending the stairs, he even smiled at me. James tried to smooth things over. "Emily, I had too much to drink last night. I spoke too harshly. I already chewed out Olivia, and I promise—"

I ignored…