I stepped out of the bathroom, still trying to steady my breathing, and headed toward the stairs. Just as I reached the top step, Richard appeared, coming down from the upper floor. My heart slammed against my ribs. For a split second, I froze, unsure how to react. Then I forced myself to relax, plastering on what I hoped looked like a calm expression.
“Baby, where have you been?” he asked, his voice warm with concern as he quickly descended the remaining steps to meet me. His eyes searched my face. “Have you been crying?”
I shook my head quickly. “No, it’s nothing. I… I’m fine.”
He stepped closer, gently cupping my cheek. “Are you sure?”
The tenderness in his voice broke something inside me. The guilt, the confusion, and the anger I’d been holding back came crashing down all at once.
