voice.
No challenge.
He genuinely wanted to know.
So I told him the truth.
“Because every generous thing Ethan ever did eventually appeared on an invisible list.”
Adrian said nothing.
I continued.
“He paid my student loans after we got married. Whenever we argued, it became proof I should be grateful.”
My voice shook slightly.
“He helped my mother replace her roof. Three years later, when I wanted to go back to work full-time, he reminded me that he had supported my family.”
I swallowed.
“He bought me a car I never asked for. Then every time I disagreed with him about money, he asked whether I understood what my lifestyle cost.”
Adrian’s expression changed.
Not anger.
Something quieter.
“So now kindness makes you nervous.”
“Kindness with resources behind it.”
He glanced toward the waiting car.
“That’s fair.”
I had expected persuasion.
Instead, he took his phone from his pocket.
