Chapter 10
Dean’s eyes landed on Bryan.
Bryan’s hair was soaked with sweat, clinging to his forehead like he’d just stepped out of the shower.
Dean stubbed out his cigarette, grinding it into the ashtray.
Bryan stepped in front of me, protective, then tumed slightly and asked, “Want me to explain things to him?”
He sounded casual, almost offhand, but he was standing so close I could smell the faint trace of sweat on him.
It wasn’t unpleasant.
Actually, it was kind of… distracting.
I shook my head. “No need.”
But as soon as I said it, I realized–how did he even know Dean was my husband? There’s no way you could just tell by looking at us.
Dean spoke, each word sharp and cold. “Marian, am I dead to you?”
His face was twisted with anger, eyes flashing like he could eat me alive.
Men are all the same. Doesn’t matter if they love you or not–none of them can stand being made a fool.”
I told Bryan to go. He hesitated, double–checked with me, then finally left.”
Before he stepped out, he murmured, “I’ll be close. Call me if you need anything.”
Dean’s glare darkened.
“So, you ignore my calls just to be with him?”
Was that why he showed up–just because I didn’t pick up yesterday?!
“We’re just coworkers, Dean. Don’t make something out of nothing.”
He clearly didn’t believe me. He stepped closer, forcing me back until my shoulders hit the wall.
“Do you think I’m an idiot? What kind of coworker leaves your place first thing in the morning?”
I tried to explain.
“Look at him—he’s ridiculously good–looking. Why would he even be interested in me?“>
Not a bad excuse, honestly.”
Finally, I just said, resigned, “If that’s what you want to think, I can’t stop you.”
Dean froze for a second.
He grabbed my wrist, his jaw tight, breath coming fast.
He looked about ready to lose it, so I quickly said, “Besides, I never asked you about Erica–not even once.”
Dean’s face was still stormy, but something in his eyes softened, just a bit.
“Marian, you don’t have to get back at me like this.“%
He continued, “Those guys who hang around you–they’re just messing around, icoking for something easy.”
Who isn’t?
Dean went on, “if Erica really bothers you, I’ll delete her from my socials. I won’t bring her around
you an
anymore.”
But I caught the real meaning he wasn’t letting her go.
“And you and Enca?” asked quietly
He looked away “We’re not overt
Then, as if trying to make up for it, he added, “From now on, I can send you half my income every year. Call it compensation,
I couldn’t help but laugh–quiet and bitter.
I looked up at him.
That face–so striking, so perfect–I’d spent years chasing it, night after night $
Even after I decided to let go, I still found myself lost in how handsome he was
But now?
1 was just tired
Tired of this shallow, one sided love!!
Even the sweetest ice cream gets old if you eat it every day for a thousand days
And this one? The toppings are basic, and half the world’s had a taste. Now he wants to sneak off and let others have another bite behind my back
The thought of spending the rest of my life with this ice cream–God, it just made me feel empty.
I gave a sad little smile. “Dean, do I really deserve this from you?“%
“All these years, I’ve never done anything to hurt you. Every time you traveled for work. I packed your bags. When you couldn’t deal with your family’s endless drama, I handled it. When your dad was in the hospital and you were out of the country. I arranged the surgery, found the best doctors, everything..”
I don’t want to just stand by and watch you and Erica’s love story anymore. Let’s just let each other go, Dean.”
“Or are you really that unwilling?”
The only reason a ‘good‘ person gets divorced is because they’ve been hurt too much.
For a moment, Dean just stared at me, stunned. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
I understood.\
If I were him, I wouldn’t want to divorce me, either.
Not because of love.
Because a girl like me–put–together, responsible, maybe a little insecure but solid–there aren’t many like me left. Perfect for bringing home to mom.
I looked at Dean, calm. I wasn’t waiting on his answer.
Because nothing he said could change my mind.
Finally, he spat out, “Marian, you think too much of yourself.”
“If you really believe I can’t let you go, I’ll have my lawyer send over the divorce papers!”
He turned on his heel and stormed out, like I was some kind of monster chasing after him.
I shrugged, not caring. “Sure,” I called after him.”
Whatever he says.
As long as I get my divorce, that’s all I want.”
