The words felt hollow even in my head.
If I’d driven myself, I probably would’ve stayed longer out of pure stubbornness. But I’d had Charles drive me earlier, which meant the decision was already halfway made for me.
The city lights blurred past the window as I leaned back against the leather seat, loosening my tie. The alcohol in my system made everything feel slightly delayed — like my thoughts were buffering.
“Charles,” I said after a moment, breaking the silence. “What’s the best gift to give an in-law?”
He blinked at me in the rearview mirror. “Sir?”
“Hypothetically.”
“Flowers are always appropriate.”
“Too basic.”
“A gift basket? Something gourmet?”
“Generic.”
He thought for a moment. “Perhaps jewelry for the mother? A quality watch for the father?”
“That feels like I’m trying to buy their approval.”
“You are,” he said mildly.
I huffed a short laugh. “Not that obviously.”
He smiled faintly but said nothing else.
Every suggestion felt… impersonal. Transactional. The exact opposite of what I needed. If I were going to sell this marriage to them, it had to look authentic.
With a resigned sigh, I dropped my head back against the seat and closed my eyes. I scrubbed a hand down my face and tried to come up with a sincere apology for leaving her alone. I should have given her a tour and helped her settle in, yet I didn't.
By the time Charles pulled into the driveway, I was still rehearsing lines that didn’t quite fit.
“Goodnight, sir,” Charles said as he stepped out to open my door.
“Night, Charles.”
The moment I stepped inside, the silence hit me.
I don’t know why I expected to see her standing in the foyer. Or curled up on the couch. Or even just some sign of her presence. There was nothing.
No television humming. No soft music. No light spilling from the kitchen.
Just stillness.
A strange unease crept into my chest. I pulled my phone from my pocket, ready to call her, when I noticed the message on the screen.
Vani:Going to have an early night. Probably asleep by the time you get back.
The message had been sent hours ago.
Guilt knotted deep in my stomach, prickling under my skin until I had to clench my fists to keep it contained.
I briefly thought she wasn't here, when really she tried to contact me, but I was too busy drinking to respond.
“Idiot,” I muttered under my breath.
