Janine lay beneath the warmth of the worn comforter, staring at the sunlight that streamed into the bedroom.
Beside her lay Corbet; his arm tucked around her, his body pressed so closely against her back that she could feel him breathing.
She should be relishing this, a show of affection from her husband, but instead it made her shudder. She knew what the sudden intimacy meant.
He was dreaming of someone else.
The alarm clock buzzed, causing Corbet to stir. When he opened his eyes and looked at her, she smiled.
"Hey Honey."
Secretly she prayed that he would willingly wrap his arms around her, but instead he frowned. "What time is it?" He asked, groggily.
She peered at the clock. "6:15."
He bolted upright.
"Damn! I'm late for my meeting! I told you to wake me up at 5:30!"
"Corbet, you never-."
"I specifically said-oh never mind."
Throwing back the cover, he climbed out of bed and wordlessly began dressing for work. "I just hope that I don't get fired because of this. They don't tolerate lateness to meetings; especially ones that involve the CEO of the company!"
He walked over to her just inches from her face, causing her to clutch the comforter in terror.
"You never think, Janine! Money doesn't grow on trees and someone has to work around here!"
"Corbet, I tried to get a job, but-."
"But what, Janine? You're 'under qualified'? I don't believe that for a second! The only thing you're under qualified at is being a loving wife!"
The words cut through to her soul, and although she should be used to Corbet's cruel words by now, the pain they caused settled deep in her heart.
Her throat burned with unshed tears, just waiting to rise to the surface. Corbet was a stranger to her; angry all the time.
She thought that landing the job of his dreams would make him happy. She was so proud of him for finally achieving his goal as co chairman of a major corporation.
Now she stared at him, feeling like a child. When he started to walk out the door, she forced a smile.
"Have a nice day, Honey."
"Are you going to stay in bed all day?" He snapped.
"Um, no... I was just-."
"Well, before you do anything, take the car back to the shop and demand that they fix it!"
She rose from the bed and went to him, arms outstretched in hopes for an embrace. Instead, he pushed her away.
"Remember what I said. That car better be fixed by the time I get home. Someone has to earn a living around here, so it's the least you can do."
"But Corbet-."
"Goodbye, Janine." He said, shutting the door behind him.
The tears trapped in her throat suddenly found their way down her cheeks and splashed onto the pillow she clutched in her hand.
What had she done to deserve such a hateful man; a man she loved with all of her heart?