Something He Had to Deserve

Chapter 5 — Freedom

Their fragile peace continued in small moments. He began eating dinner at the estate instead of in the city. He replaced the chef’s elaborate meals with grilled cheese and tomato soup when Chloe admitted rich food made her sick.

He attended every medical appointment. He pretended to study his phone during parenting classes, but later Chloe caught him practicing how to swaddle a pillow in his office.

One afternoon, she found him standing in the unfinished nursery. The room had pale walls, a dark wooden crib, and windows overlooking the snow-covered garden.

Leo held a tiny blue sock in his hand.

“You look terrified,” Chloe said.

“I have negotiated with men who kept knives on the table.”