Love's Last Thread

Julian Carter orders me to clean up his childhood sweetheart's new home when I'm still recovering from childbirth.

"Everyone knows you're good at home economics! Things will be much easier for us with your help."

I'm wrapping things up when I feel something dampen my pants. The discharge trickles down my leg and onto the floor.

Nadine Stephens covers her mouth and cries dramatically, "What's that? It's so disgusting!"

She even bends over and pretends to gag.

Awkwardness and shame wash over me, making me want to dig a hole and hide myself. However, Julian grabs me and scowls. "I told you to come here to help. You're causing trouble on purpose, aren't you?"

It's Valentine's Day, but he chases me out and tells me to go home. I wait for him for the whole night with our child in my arms.

He only returns the following day with love bites on his neck.

That's when I know we won't have a future together.

When Julian Carter returned home, he found me still awake and gave me a puzzled look. He asked, "Delilah? Why are you still awake?"

The sky was just beginning to brighten as I slowly raised my head, staring blankly before noticing the marks on his neck. I froze for a moment before letting out a bitter smile.

"Why are you coming home at this hour?" I questioned him back.

Even though I should have guessed what was happening, I just never expected it to be so blatantly displayed before me.

Julian hesitated when he heard my hoarse voice. Then, he noticed where I was looking and instinctively touched the marks on his neck.

He said awkwardly, "I was helping Nadine fix her refrigerator. It took until late, so I dozed off at her place. I didn't want to disturb you and Ezra by coming home, and these marks are just bug bites—don't overthink it."

A mosquito bite in the dead of winter and right after Valentine's Day, no less. Julian's excuse made my expression grow colder as I gently soothed the baby in my arms.

I patted my son, Ezra Carter, softly while muttering under my breath, "He's too young to grow up without a father..."

"What are you talking about? Don't let your imagination run wild," Julian continued playing dumb.

I sighed inwardly and lost all desire to continue talking with him. Afterward, I placed our sleeping baby in the crib and prepared to return to the bedroom.

"Delilah Larson!" Julian suddenly rushed forward and hugged me from behind.

I froze, my entire body tensing up.

However, Julian seemed oblivious as he rested his chin on my shoulder. "You need to know that I love you."

"Let go!" I frowned, my voice tinged with impatience.

Yet, Julian would not release me and continued explaining, "Are you still angry about yesterday? Don't be childish.

"You're my wife now. You should be more understanding about Nadine and me not seeing each other for so long, especially since