Jeffrey remained silent, which clearly riled Noah.
Are you saying that’s no longer the case?’
Luca squeezed Noah’s right thigh as if urging him to be less confrontational.
‘And I don’t blame the house for all this,’ added Noah. ‘I blame that stupid bloody Audite.’
‘That’s the same Audite that you trusted when you signed up to the Marriage Act a year ago and which allowed you to buy your dream home. Luca, are you happy here?’
‘It’s nice.’
‘But are youhappy?’
‘Why do you keep asking him that?’ interrupted Noah.
‘I suppose I’m trying to find a reason for why your husband has been prescribed antidepressant medication.’
‘How . . . how do you know that?’ asked Luca.
‘It was in your medical notes,’ Jeffrey said, but he had actually found the box containing patches in their bathroom cabinet.
‘Like millions of others, he uses them occasionally to help with a chemical imbalance,’ said Noah, ‘not because he’s unhappy with the house or our relationship.’
‘Most couples like to believe their relationship is an equal partnership,’ said Jeffrey. ‘But often there’s one who speaks for both of you even when a question isn’t directed at them. Is it fair to say that’s you, Noah?’
‘Maybe, I guess.’
‘In my experience, that person needs to be reminded that they’re appreciated for the extra work they do, or the decisions they make to push you both forward. Do you need more affirmation than Luca offers?’
‘No.’
‘Have you considered that this elevated position you’ve put yourself in might emasculate Luca?’
‘Where’s this coming from? He’s never accused me of any of that.’
‘Could he have told you in his behaviour, but you haven’t seen the signs? It’s easier to ignore your partner’s needs than to confront a difference of opinion.’
‘I’m not ignoring anything . . .’
‘You ignored Luca’s emotional call for support by walking out of the house when your surrogate put a hold on your agreement; you dismissed his unwillingness to participate in threesomes by claiming they’re only on hold. You debased your marriage by allowing him to believe you married only for love and not the financial benefits.’
‘You’re twisting what I’ve said . . .’
‘Do you think the world revolves around you, Noah?’
‘No! Of course not. I spend my career putting other people first.’
‘And to make people listen to you, I assume you have to rely on persuasion or fear.’
‘Fear?’
‘Of the health repercussions if they don’t do what you tell them to do.’
‘I give them facts and options. I save lives.’
‘So I ask again, do you think the world revolves around you?’
As Noah’s face reddened, Luca tightened his grip on Noah’s thigh.
