11
Addison turned her head and smiled.
The been free at home and thought I’d better prepare something nicer for you all. It’s no big deal
Reuben stepped in and saw a table of delicious dishes, his sons chowing down happily, and Addison’s soft smile.
A warm tide of contentment washed over him.
He slipped an arm around Addison’s waist, pulling her close.
You’ve been through so much, Addy.”
“It’s truly nothing, Reuben,” she said gently, brushing a strand of hair from his cheek, “I said I’d take care of you, and this is just part of it. Come on, it’s
lunch time.”
“Mm, right. He nodded, shnugging off his jacket to drape it over the chair.
Then, almost casually, he asked, “Has Evelyn not come down yet?”
Wes piped up immediately, “Mom’s gone, Dad You forgot!”
Nolan added, “Only Addy’s here now!”
Reuben froze for a beat
Only then did he fully register thar Evelyn really was gone
He still hadn’t grown used
10
her absence.
Every mention of it sparked a flicker of doubt.
Evelyn had loved him so fiercely…
How could she just Jewe?
His hands paused mid–ale, as if grasping at a half–remembered thought, but he quickly brushed the topic aside.
Yet Addison caught every flicker of his hesitation.
That night, as Reuben stepped into the room, aware, soft figure pressed against him.
“Reuben, can’t you put Evelyn our of your mind? She’ll come back in a few days. Just for these few days can you be mine,
Addison’s voice trembled, laced with frigned pity
“Addy, I’ve always been yours.”
Unwilling
www
to see the woman he’d loved so long wear such a look, Reuben pulled her tight, shoving the odd feeling when he thought of Evelyn to the back
of his mind.
Addison wore only flimsy silk nightgown, her curves clinging to the fabric.
Her hand slid over Reuben’s chest, trailing lower, and his Adam’s apple bobbed.
When her fingers neared his abdomen, he caught her wrist
His voice was thick with desire as he said, “Addy you’re playing a dangerous game.”
With that, he lifted her into his arms and tossed her onto the bed.
Clothes were thrown on the floor. Soon, soft moans filled the air.
“Reuben — stop…*
Bok Reuben had no intention of stopping
He gripped Addison’s waist, leaving a trail of kisses across her skin.
By dawn. Addison lay limp in the sheets after a sleepless night, while Reuben had already left for the office.
Something urgent had come up and needed his attention.
Addison was still half–asleep when a knock sounded at the door.
She frowned, forcing her eyes open.
In
411
Ms. O’Neal, if you don’t take the boys to school now, they’ll be late, Chelsea called
Again!
Taking the kids to school!
Addison rolled over in bed, voice sharp with irritation.
“Let them go by themselves. They know the way anyway.”
outside
Outside the door, Wes and Nolan had been waiting eagerly, but at Addison’s words, the light in their eyes dimmed.
“Addy must be really tired. Well go by ourselves today,” Wes mumbled, trying to comfort himself
↑ rest. We’re grown–ups now,” Nolan added, slinging his backpack over his shoulder.
T’s fine. Let Addy rest.
Chrises looked or the four–year–old and five–year–old, her heart aching
Ill call Mr. Gregson amd ask the driver to come back. It’s not safe for you to walk alone. What if something happens?*
Wes and Nolan shook their beads vigorously.
Wes
“No, Dad’s busy. Addy probably wants us to learn to be independent. Let’s go!”
They trotted our the door.
Chelsea hesitated, then reluctantly stepped away.
Addison, meanwhile, had already drifted back to sleep
She didn’t get up until afternoon, and when she finally learned what had happened that morning, she showed no reaction at all.
After that, Addison couldn’t be bothered to pick the boys up from school or drop them off.
She just let the rwo boys fend for themselves
ask Chelsea to cook properly.
On nights when Reuben was swamped at work and didn’t come home, she didn’t even ask
Once she’d eaten her fill, she’d simply tell Chelsea to give Wes and Nolan the leftovers
Only when Reuben returned did she slip back into that gentle persona
As days passed, even the boys, who’d once adored Addison, grew weary of this life.
After school, they wandered into her room.
“What’s wrong. West Nolan? Addison asked.
