exhausted but very pleased with himself. He loosened his silk tie, tossed his

that confident, half-apologetic smile that used to make my knees weak. He r

of my high heels, stood up from the dining table, an

e, then down at the table, where the candles had melted do

her in confusion. "Is this about the meeting? I text

ter Isabella posted a lovely photo of you on the family group chat. You loo

contract was signed, the team wanted to grab a quick drink. You know how these things go, Sophie.

ges?" I as

e, completely

an my anniversary dinner just be canceled over text while

king a big deal out of nothing. I told you I'm sorry, and Oliver arranged

necklace? It's lovely. But tell me something, Nathaniel-since you're so good a

ed. "Of course I do. It's... that French

ed two years ago

able. I work sixty hours a week to give you this penthouse, this lifestyle, private jets

n't marry you for your bank account! I married the sweet guy who used to write me terrible love poems on paper napkins. Do you even remember the name I wanted

mfortable. "You chose to he

interrupted. "You got so comfortable having a wife who fixed

te, I'm exhausted, and I have another early board meeting tomorrow. Can we plea

words echoed in my head. It

n, but with a cold, clear realization. I didn't want to shou

tchen counter, and picked up a blank notebook and a pen. I flipped

sed, though a hint of wary curiosity had

Starting tonight, I am of

ieving laugh. "A strike? W

oordinator, or your housekeeper. I will not prepare your meals, I will not select your suits, I will not manage your famil

gure out if I was joking. "And where

guest bedroom. Because I am tired of sharing a bed wit

ight, very funny, Sophie. You proved your point about the anniversary. D

without blinking. "All kissing privileges

rogance finally slipping away. "Are you out of your mi

Nathaniel. A ninety-day rev

. "Ninet

r the next three months, we live under the same roof, but I am not lifting a finger for you. And when those ninety days are over, I wi

yes widened in genuine shock. "Divorce? Have you lost your m

de that for both of us

wedding ring off my finger, and placed it right in the center of the dining table.

ed slightly from his face, and his confident posture completely collapsed.

Put your ring back on.

ist of conditions will be taped to the guest bedroom door. You're free to ignore them, of course

and staircase, trailing behind

terior designer! Start your company tomorrow! I'll double your mo

od boil. I walked straight into the guest room, turned ar

listened to him standing out in the hallway. For a long momen

A new text message from Nat

weetheart, but you'

ribs, aching with how much I still loved him, but my mind was c

ve me a reason not to, because