Every part of me wants to walk over to their table and sit down beside Penn.
I’m his wife, and I have that right. But I’m too hurt and embarrassed to do it.
I put food on my tray with shaky hands and make my way to the cashier.
I’m paying when I hear Penn call my name. “Aria.”
I keep my head down and walk faster. “Aria.”
I don’t stop. The second I step into the hall, I let out a breath, but it doesn’t help. My chest still aches, and my eyes are burning.I will not cry. I will not cry, I keep repeating to myself.
“Aria.”
His voice is closer now. “Did you hear me calling your name?”
I refuse to look at him. “No. Sorry. I’m in a rush, and?—”
He steps in front of me, forcing me to stop. “Hey. What’s wrong?”
I lift my gaze to his. “Is that what you’ve been hiding from me?”
His eyes widen, and guilt flashes across his face.
My grip slips on the tray, and I almost drop everything. I catch it and take a step back from him.
“Aria, wait. Listen to me.”
I turn and keep walking, but he catches up quickly. I only stop when his hand closes around my arm.
People are walking past us now, slowing down enough to look. I can already imagine the gossip spreading through the hospital. Dr. Brody and his wife fighting in the hallway.
“I’m not doing this here, Penn,” I say quietly.
He opens his mouth, but I shake my head before he can speak. “I have a patient waiting for me.” I lower my voice. “Please. I need you to let me walk away. I can’t do this in front of everyone.”
His jaw tightens, and he lets out a breath. “Fine. But we’re talking about this as soon as we get home.”
I nod because it’s easier than arguing.
But even as I walk away, I know I’ll find a way to avoid him until then. Because I’m scared that if I let Penn explain, he’ll either tell me the truth or he’ll lie, and I don’t know which one would hurt worse.
CHAPTER 5
PENN
It was a full day. Three surgeries, one consultation, and then I had to step in to assist another surgeon this evening. By the time I get home, it’s dark, the house is quiet, and I’m exhausted.
But I’m determined to have this conversation.
It wasn’t until later that it hit me. Aria thought the thing I’ve been hiding from her was Nicole Jenner. The idea makes me sick.
I shake my head as I walk into the house. I don’t know if I’m more disgusted with myself for letting things get this bad or with the fact that my wife could think she isn’t enough for me.
The lights are low, and I’m not surprised. Aria is probably already asleep or at least pretending to be so she can avoid the conversation we need to have.
I thought all afternoon about what I should do. For one second, I even considered letting her believe it. Maybe if I told her she was right and let her think I’d betrayed her, she would hate me enough to leave. She deserves to walk away from me and find the life she wants.
But I can’t do it.
