“I’m not saying you haven’t treated me well. You love me, you’ve taught me a lot, and you care about me… but all of that comes with you needing to control every part of my life. It’s like you want to keep tabs on me every second. Anytime someone shows up who doesn’t fit into your plan, you just want them gone.”
“You always want to know where I am, what I’m doing, who I’m with. If I come home late, you’re upset about it.”
“I even asked Marian to let you know I’d be late, but you still got angry. You act like it’s for my own good, but all you’re really doing is putting pressure on me without even saying a word.”
“Oliver, do you want a partner or just someone who follows your every order?”
“You say you support me, that you’re on my side. But when it really matters, you step in and take over. Why did you have to get involved just as I was about to finish everything? Why couldn’t you trust me to handle it?”
Patricia’s voice echoed in the bedroom, every word heavy enough to make the air feel tight. Oliver’s chest rose and fell fast as he looked at her, his eyes burning.
“You think I shouldn’t have stepped in?” he asked, voice low.
“Wasn’t it meddling?” Patricia shot back, her anger sharp.
“Alright. Fine.” Oliver got out of bed, standing tall as he faced her, his words biting and cold. “So, is it really me meddling… or are you just dragging this out? Ever since we got married, all you think about are those people. First Theo, then Emerson… You barely pay attention to this house, to me. We only get a little of your affection now and then, like you’re just throwing scraps to a cat. As long as we’re here, you don’t worry. As long as there’s food and water, it’s enough. As long as you come home, everything’s fine. And the worst part is, you call that love.”


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