After I Left He Finally Cried

"Audrey, it's just a few things. Since when are you so petty?"

Penelope tugged on Rhys's sleeve, her voice soft and wavering. "I'm so sorry, Audrey. I just thought since you were away, I could borrow a little space. I had no idea it would upset you… It was an honest mistake."

She even bowed her head, a perfect picture of contrition.

Rhys immediately steadied her, his gaze on me sharp and cold. "Audrey, don't push it. Penelope didn't mean any harm. Drop it."

How many times had he gotten angry with me because of her? I'd lost count.

I had no energy for their little drama. I picked up my box and walked toward the exit. But as I passed Penelope, a high-heeled foot shot out, tripping me.

Rhys's eyes widened. He instinctively reached for me, but his hand caught nothing but air.

I crashed to the floor. The contents of my box scattered, and my wrist scraped hard against the rough ground.

Rhys rushed toward me, extending a hand. Then his eyes caught something among the mess. He bent down and picked up two pieces of paper.

"Community Committee Resignation Letter? And this…"

I scrambled to my feet, snatching the papers from his hand. "I've got it. Don't touch my things."

My fierce reaction took Rhys aback, and he just stared. "You're resigning?"

My lips parted, but no words came out. Before I could form a reply, Rhys suddenly laughed. "Wait, if you resign… that frees up a permanent spot on the committee, doesn't it? If Penelope could get that position, she’d finally have a stable job. Then I could stop worrying so much."

The excuse I'd been about to offer died on my tongue. I gave him a long, hard look, then turned and walked out of the office, leaving the rest of my things scattered on the floor.

After submitting my resignation, I was surprised to find Rhys waiting for me at the door, holding my box.

He saw me, pursed his lips, and handed it over. "Your things."

My expression softened slightly. Just as I was about to thank him, he continued, "Could you write Penelope a letter of recommendation? It would give her a better shot at getting hired."

A sudden breeze made my eyes sting. I rubbed them and said softly, "Okay."

Consider it the final payment for our marriage.

Rhys seemed pleased. A smile touched his lips. Then he remembered something. "What about you? What's your next move?"

I turned my head away. "I'll keep doing project planning at another nonprofit."

Rhys nodded, looking relieved. He set the box down and pulled me into an embrace. "Audrey, marrying you was the smartest thing I've ever done. Once things calm down, I promise, we'll go back to your hometown together. We'll finally have that drink with your father."

I leaned against his broad chest, my heart clenching with a pain so sharp it stole my breath.

Too late. It was all too late.

Before Rhys could say more, Penelope drifted toward us. "Rhys, I don't feel well. Let's go home."

Her cheeks were rosy; she didn't look unwell in the slightest. I said nothing and stepped out of Rhys's embrace.

Just as I expected, he released me instantly, his expression shifting to one of alarm. "I'll take Penelope home. We'll talk later."

He carefully draped an arm around her, holding her as if she were made of glass.

I didn't stop them. I bent down, picked up the box again, and on my way past a recycling bin, I threw it in. I no longer wanted anything Rhys had touched.

On my last day, I prepared a barbecue, a farewell for my friends. Most of them were Rhys's colleagues.

As I brought out the last of the grilled corn, I heard a commotion from the backyard.