To prove real men still want me. To remind myself that I'm not just somebody's wife who cooks and cleans and waits around for attention. Colton blinked, stunned. You've never lacked attention. I make sure you have everything you need.
You know that. She shrugged lightly. Sure you do. But that's not the same thing as being wanted. My friends, your friends, he cut in gently but firmly, have no respect for marriage.
You know that. Why are you letting them put these ideas in your head? Meline's voice sharpened. They didn't put anything in my head. They just helped me realize I deserve to explore.
They told me I'm beautiful. That men out there would kill for a chance with me. And honestly, she lifted her chin. They're right. I deserve to feel that.
I deserve to know if I still have it. Colton stepped back, astonished by the coldness in her tone. You want to know if you still have it, Meline? You're my wife. That should mean something.
What about us? What about the vows we made? What about the marriage we built? She rolled her eyes, picking up her necklace from the dresser and fastening it around her neck. Colton, stop acting like this is the end of the world.
Everyone is exploring now. It's normal. Marriage doesn't have to be this cage. You can relax. His voice dropped into something deeper, something steadier than he felt.
Relax. You expect me to relax while you go spend the night with another man? She shrugged again, completely unbothered. It's just one night. You'll survive.
You always do. You're strong. This isn't that serious. He stared at her in disbelief, searching her face for any sign, any trace of the woman he'd married. The woman who used to hold his hand in crowded rooms, who used to kiss him softly before bed, who used to worry about what he felt, what he thought, what he needed.
But tonight, she looked like a stranger, wearing her face. "Meline, " he whispered, emotion trembling through him, "if you walk out that door, consider this marriage over. " She froze for a half second, not because she was afraid, not because she was reconsidering, but because she found his declaration amusing. She turned slowly, letting out a small scoff. You're being dramatic.