Chapter 4: The Walls Close In

We drove home in complete silence. The car was filled only with the hum of the engine and the low drone of classic rock on the radio. Streetlights strobed across Marcus’s face, cutting sharp lines in the darkness. Neither of us spoke or touched the dial. The silence felt thick, almost suffocating.

When we got inside, Marcus finally said, “Hailey’s my college advisor’s daughter. She’s interning at the company. My advisor asked me to keep an eye on her.”

He set my purse down and loosened his tie, his voice tight like he’d rehearsed this speech before.

I slipped off my heels and started up the stairs. “Let someone else look after her.”

My voice was flat, but my hands balled into fists at my sides. I could feel Marcus’s eyes on me as I climbed.

He just said, “Okay.”

He sounded tired, almost defeated. But I couldn’t let it go.

I stopped on the first step, turning to look down at him. “She calls you ‘Babe.’ How far have you gone with her?”

My tone was cool, but my heart pounded. I remembered the last time I’d doubted him—how he’d laughed it off, and I’d let myself believe him. Now I wasn’t so sure.

Marcus’s face darkened, jaw tight. “Don’t talk like that. I’m just helping her out because of my advisor.”

He ran a hand through his hair, looking frustrated and exhausted.

“Then make it clear to her. Don’t let her think she has a chance. She might be young, but you’re not. You know the line.”

I turned and went straight to the bathroom, locking the door behind me. I pressed my palms to the cold marble, fighting back tears. I let the tap run and splashed water on my face, the house silent except for the soft whir of the AC.

Later, in bed with the lights off, Marcus slid in behind me, wrapping his arm around my waist. The weight of Marcus’s arm felt both comforting and heavy—like a promise I wasn’t sure I could believe. He smelled like cedarwood, familiar and bittersweet.

“Still mad?” His hand slipped under my shirt, resting warm on my stomach. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

His voice was low, a little rough. The intimacy made my anger soften, but the hurt stayed.

He whispered, “I only went because she’s young and clueless. I was worried. I couldn’t say no to my advisor.”

“But you—Natalie—you’re strong. I know you can take care of yourself.”

Strong. That’s what I always aimed for.

But right now, I wanted to be held. I turned in his arms, pressing my face to his chest. “Marcus, I…”

The words stuck. I just wanted him to know that sometimes I needed him to choose me, without being asked.

Because I love him.

He squeezed me tighter. “I know. I’ll fix it tomorrow. I’ll make her apologize.”

It was a simple promise, but for tonight, it was enough. I nodded, letting myself believe him for now.

He kissed my forehead, and for the first time that night, I almost believed everything would be okay.