A night when, after pleading, Mitchel had shown her a bit of mercy, yet the duration had been unbearable for Raegan.
She pondered what had driven Mitchel to such extremes.
Determined to initiate a calm conversation that night, Raegan waited for Mitchel.
Mitchel emerged from the shower, less intimidating in navy blue pajamas, his hair damp.
Seeking to ease the tension, Raegan asked casually, âHave you eaten dinner?â
âYes,â Mitchel responded succinctly.
âAre you thirsty?â she continued, intent on breaking the ice.
Mitchel held her gaze for a moment, then nodded.
Raegan hesitantly poured a glass of water for Mitchel, who was casually leaning against the bed, absorbed in the latest magazine.
As she hesitated to hand him the glass, Mitchel swiftly grasped her wrist.
He set the glass on the bedside table and, with a gentle pull, Raegan found herself unexpectedly seated across his lap, her cheeks flushing with surprise.
âAh!â Startled, Raegan let out a cry.
She attempted to rise, but Mitchel firmly held her ankle.
He rubbed the protruding bones of her ankle casually as he asked with an icy tone, âDo you have something to tell me?â
Trying to remain calm, Raegan replied, âIâve work to attend to.
May I go to the company tomorrow?â
âYou neednât bother with that anymore.
â
Confused and alarmed, Raegan responded, âWhat do you mean?â
Mitchel revealed, âIâve arranged your resignation with your manager.
Youâre free from work now.
Arenât you pleased?â
This news infuriated Raegan.
She had intended for a civil conversation, but anger got the better part of her.
âMitchel, you had no right to decide that for me! It was my job, my decision.
Why would you do this without asking me?â
His overbearing nature was unmistakable.
This time, her frustration reached new heights.
âDo you need to ask why?â Mitchel retorted, his hand moving to her chin, his sneer chilling.
âBecause Iâm your husband.
â
His smile was cold, sending a shiver down Raeganâs spine.
Fear gripped Raegan, reminding her of that harrowing night.
She worried that any further provocation might lead to a repeat of that dreadful experience.