Page 5 of Dream Chaser

I took a hearty gulp from my goblet. “Hoover.”

Rosa dissolved into a fit of coughing. “Oh, God.” She wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand as Henry patted her on the back. “Can you imagine? Girl, don’t even joke like that. If a man gives that to his woman, it’s because he sees her as his mother or his maid.”

Kate huffed. “Nonsense. I’d be happy with stuff for our home. It’s the most important place for every person.”

“Finally, someone who understands.” Preston clinked his glass against hers. “It’s hard when a man doesn’t feel appreciated. Nova must think all men care about their homes and their wives like I care about mine.”

Kate clicked her tongue. “Aw, poor thing, bless her heart. She just doesn’t know what’s out there.”

“What’s out there?” I curled my hand around my goblet. The cool touch of the glass failed to soothe my frayed nerves, and restless energy coursed through my bloodstream together with the alcohol. “You married David at eighteen; I married Preston at twenty-two. Neither of us knows what’s out there.”

Preston barked a laugh. “I should take away your wine. You’ve had enough.”

I filled my glass. “I’m a grown woman. I’ll drink as much as I want.”

“Grown woman.” He scoffed. “Grown women don’t disrespect their husband’s mother, and they sure as fuck don’t dress like cheap whores.”

My cheeks flamed. My heart squeezed painfully as a burn flared behind my eyelids. A cheap whore?

Rosa gasped.

Kate giggled, her reaction so out of place I cringed. “Aw, but her dress is so cute. A bit short and tight, but cute. Let her wear those things if they make her happy, Preston. Once you have kids, she won’t be able to.”

Let me? I didn’t need his permission.

Or maybe I did, since I let him control me. I’d forgotten who I was, and I’d let this joke of a marriage destroy my dreams.

I drained the wine, my skin ablaze. My husband called me a cheap whore in front of his friends.

And he meant it.

I pushed to my feet. “I’ll go lie down, guys.” My legs shook. So did my voice. “Preston’s right. I’ve had enough.”

I darted to the house. In the foyer, I toed off my silver sandals and hurled them across the room. They bounced off the box with my gift, not even making a dent in the cardboard.

It wasn’t enough. I wanted to march back outside and hurl that box into the firepit.

By the time I got to the en suite, my rage had curdled into grief. My heart ached so much the pain spread to every cell of my body.

I soaked a cotton pad in makeup remover and dragged it over my forehead, then my nose and cheeks. When would I be enough for Preston? When would he start respecting me? Never, that’s when. Nothing would ever change. Not him, and not our marriage.

Fresh tears fell. I finished washing up and returned to the room.

An hour later, Preston appeared in the doorway, scowling as he took me in.

“Guess you’re happy.” He unclasped his watch and tossed it onto the dresser. “Everyone was uncomfortable after you left. Congratulations. You spoiled two parties in one day. Did you want attention, Nova? Mom used to tell me you were high maintenance, but I defended you.” He hit his chest with his fist. “I. Defended. You. So please, tell me what you want, and let’s go to bed.”

I knew what I wanted. I’d wanted it for months, maybe years, but I’d been too scared to say it out loud and blow up my life.

The only thing that terrified me now was to keep living like this.

I rose from the bed and wiped my nose with the back of my hand. “I only want one thing, Preston.”

He groaned. “What else can I give you? Another gift?”

“A divorce.”

His mouth fell open with disbelief, but I left the room before he could say anything.