Open Marriage, Broken Promises: When Love Turns to Ashes novel Chapter 2

"Do you think so too?"

She turned the question to James.

Maybe her expression scared him, because James dropped his usual carefree act. 

"Lily, go home."

Lily clicked her tongue, fluffing her curls, and strutted out like she'd won.

Once she was gone, James's face darkened. 

"Emily, I've given you enough leeway."

"Didn't we agree to this? To an open marriage?"

"What's your problem now?"

Agreed?

An open marriage.

She'd tried to compromise, letting him live his wild life, but now he'd crossed the line by bringing someone home.

And that someone was Lily.

James's grip on her waist tightened, a warning. 

"If you can't handle it, we're done."

"I'm sick of your attitude!"

He used divorce as a threat, his go-to move in their toxic dynamic.

"Open marriage..."

Emily repeated the words, staring at his face.

She searched for the man she'd once loved, but...

He was gone.

She felt dazed, echoing his logic. 

"Yeah, we're in an open marriage."

He used it to justify his cheating, knowing she'd cling to her sense of duty and shame.

She remembered how he'd defended himself the first time she caught him: "Love and desire are separate."

"You can't expect me to be with a corpse."

She'd done plenty of things to get his attention before.

Soon, the buzz of his phone distracted him, and he left without a second thought.

Watching him go, Emily finally understood her mother's words.

Before you love someone else, love yourself. 

Don't sacrifice everything for a man, or your pain will be worthless.

Her fists clenched and unclenched.

This time, she wouldn't let him lead her around like a dog on a leash.

Emily had barely slept when her phone buzzed.

It was a video from Lily.

The room was smoky, filled with champagne and women.

James's buddy, Michael Johnson, grinned and asked, "Bro, aren't you worried Emily will get mad?"

James blew out a smoke ring.