Chapter 1 The sound of running water drifted from the bathroom . Theodore Whitman was taking a shower . It was three in the morning . He'd only just come home . Emma Bennett stood outside the bathroom door , her nerves strung tight . There was something she needed to discuss with him , but she had no idea how he'd react . As she tried to figure out the right words , a strange noise carried through the door . She listened carefully , and then it hit her - he was jerking off in the shower . A series of muffled gasps and low groans hammered against her chest , each one sharp and relentless , filling her with a pain so deep it felt like she was drowning in it . Tonight was their wedding anniversary . Five years since she'd married him , five years without ever sharing a real marriage bed . So he'd rather be alone than touch her ? His breathing grew faster , more ragged , until he suddenly let out a choked , desperate cry- " Cici ... " That single word shattered her . Something inside her broke , scattering to dust . She clamped a hand over her mouth to keep from sobbing out loud , spun around , and tried to flee . But before she could even take a full step , she stumbled , crashed into the sink , and collapsed hard onto the floor . " Emma ? " Theodore's voice was thick with exertion , his breathing still heavy as he tried to compose himself . " I - I just needed to use the bathroom . I didn't know you were in there , " she blurted out , the lie clumsy and obvious . She scrambled for the edge of the sink , desperate to pull herself upright . Her panic only made her more awkward . Water puddled on the tile and across the sink , making it hard to get her footing . By the time she finally managed to stand , Theodore had already stepped out , his white robe haphazardly thrown on , the belt cinched tight . " Did you fall ? Here , let me help you . " He moved to lift her . 1/2 11:46 Chapter 1 Tears stung her eyes , but she shoved his hand away , her voice hoarse and determined . " No , I'm fine . I can do it myself . " She nearly slipped again , then limped out of the bathroom , stumbling all the way back to the bedroom . Escaped . That was the only word for it . For five years of marriage , Emma had been running - hiding from the outside world , from the pity in strangers ' eyes , from Theodore's gentle sympathy . Theodore Whitman's wife - a cripple . How could someone like her ever be worthy of Theodore , the golden boy with a brilliant career and a spotless reputation ? But once , she'd had strong , beautiful legs , too ... Theodore followed , his voice soft and truly concerned . " Are you hurt ? Let me see ." " No , really , I'm fine . " She pulled the blanket up around her , burying herself - her pain and humiliation - under its weight . " Are you sure ? " He sounded genuinely worried . " Yeah . " She nodded hard , her back to him . " Alright . Going to sleep , then ? Didn't you need the bathroom ? " " Not anymore . I'm just going to sleep , " she whispered . " Okay . By the way , today's our anniversary . I got you something - I'll leave it on the nightstand for you to open in the morning . " " Thanks . " She'd already seen the gift . She didn't need to open it to know what was inside . Every year , the same size box . Every year , the same watch . In her drawer , alongside her birthday gifts , there were already nine identical watches . This made the tenth . The conversation ended there . Theodore turned off the light and climbed into bed . The air was heavy with the scent of his body wash , but the king - sized mattress barely dipped beneath his weight . She lay on the far edge ; he kept to the opposite side . There was enough space between them for three more people . Neither mentioned the name Cici . Neither spoke of what had happened in the bathroom . It was as if none of it had ever happened at all . 2/2 11:46 Chapter 2