Sunk the Boat, Never to Meet Again

On the day my husband, Gideon, gave our son's life-saving meds to his childhood crush's cat, I stopped being the wife he hated.

Overnight, everything he disliked about me disappeared.

He stayed out all night; I didn't ask. His flirty texts; I ignored them.

Even when we buried our son and he claimed a work emergency, I simply replied, "Okay," and buried Jamie alone.

His assistant watched my pale face with unease. "Mr. Pierce is swamped, ma'am. He'll rush over after the meeting."

I remained silent, placing our son's urn into the cold niche.

Just before sealing it, Gideon's car screeched to a halt. Drenched from the rain, he rushed over. "Sienna! Why didn't you wait? I'm Jamie's father!"

My voice was flat. "Your work is important. Jamie would understand."

His heart clenched at my calmness. He reached for me, but whispers from onlookers stopped him.

"Mr. Pierce only has eyes for Ms. Holloway. If she'd accepted his proposal, Sienna would've never married him."

Gideon turned back, urgent. "Tessa and I are just friends! I swear!"

I handed him my umbrella. "I know. It's raining. Use this." I turned to leave.

He grabbed my wrist. "If you're angry, hit me! Why make it so damn unbearable?"

Unbearable?

He used to hate my tears, saying men can't stand women who make scenes.

Now that I was calm and understanding, why was he so upset?

I was about to shake his hand off when his phone blared, a jarring interruption in the heavy silence. Gideon frowned but answered.

Im busy. Whatever it is, it can wait until tomorrow.

A tearful voice crackled through the speaker.

Gideon, Mochi is throwing up again. Can you please come see him? Please?

Mochi. That was the cats name.

Gideons eyes flickered to me. When I offered no reaction, he immediately replied to the call.

Okay. Im on my way.

He hung up. I pushed myself to my feet. My knees, numb from kneeling for so long, buckled beneath me.

Careful!

He lunged to steady me.

I regained my balance and gently pulled my arm from his grasp.

Go, I said. A sick pet needs care. Drive safely.

I even retrieved his coat for him, holding it out with a steady hand.

Gideon took it, a sharp, unidentifiable pain twisting in his chest. He walked to the door, then turned back suddenly.

Ill be home for dinner tonight.

Okay. Ill wait for you.

Of course, he never came home.

I made four dishes and a soup. I waited from seven until eleven. I reheated the food three times before finally scraping it all into the trash.

At two in the morning, Tessa posted a new photo online.

With you here, Im not afraid of anything. Thank you, my guardian angel.

The picture was of Gideons profile. He was frowning in concentration, giving a shot to a small cat, his expression focused and gentle.

I liked the post.

Then, I sent a message to my parents overseas.

The cooling-off period for the divorce ends in seven days. Ill accept the arranged marriage you mentioned.

For the next seven days, I practically lived at the office, trying to numb my hollowed-out soul with grueling work.

My colleagues avoided my gaze, their whispers following me down the halls.

Shes such a workaholic. Her son just died and shes already back at the office.

I said nothing, burying myself in spreadsheets.

Tessa walked by with a coffee, pausing deliberately beside my desk.

Sienna, darling, dont overdo it. Your health is important.

Her voice was soft, but loud enough for everyone nearby to hear her add, Shes so focused on work, she didnt even notice her own son was sick.

My fingers tightened around my pen. Gideon had never offered a single word of explanation about swapping the medication. He let the rumors fester, let the blame settle squarely on my shoulders.

During the afternoon board meeting, Gideons father, the chairman, suddenly slammed a folder on the table.

Sienna, dont think you can do whatever you want just because youre my daughter-in-law! he roared. You worked for three straight days on a project and ignored your own sons fever! How did our family end up with a heartless woman like you?

I looked up at Gideon. He wouldnt meet my eyes.

Dad, this whole thing

You shut up! his father snapped, slamming his palms on the table and rising to his feet. This is all your fault for spoiling her!

He stormed over to me and his hand flew up, striking my face with a sharp crack.

This first one is for killing my grandson!

I stumbled back, my cheek burning. Across the room, I could see a triumphant smirk playing on Tessas lips.

And this is for losing the company the Corbin account!

He struck me again, harder this time. My ears rang, and I could taste blood in my mouth.

When Mr. Corbin heard you dont even care about your own son, he said he couldnt trust a family with no humanity! He canceled the contract this morning!

Gideon finally moved.

Dad! he shouted, jumping up from his chair.

What, youre still going to protect her?

Gideon spread his arms in front of me. If you want to hit her, youll have to hit me first!

His fathers voice trembled with rage as he pointed a shaking finger in my face. You see? Hes still defending you! Ive been too soft on you, let you get away with murder!

The third slap never came, but I was already swaying. The world went dark, and I collapsed.

When I woke up, I was in a hospital bed. Gideon was sitting beside me.

Tessa had a difficult childhood, he began quietly. Besides me, that cat was the only friend she had.

He paused.

Cant you just let this one thing go? For us? Please?

I closed my eyes.

Sienna, lets start over. Tonight, we can try for another baby. Ill give you anything you want as compensation, I promise.

I finally turned my head to look at him, my throat raw.

And if I say no?

He froze, his brow furrowing in annoyance. Dont throw a tantrum.

I could still feel the stinging throb on my cheek. Im not throwing a tantrum. I just want to know. Do I still have the right to say no?

His last ounce of patience evaporated.

Get some rest. Ill come back to check on you later.

He left quickly. As the door clicked shut, I heard Tessas concerned voice from the hallway.

Gideon, is she okay?

Its all my fault. I shouldnt have asked you to bring the medicine.

Gideons voice immediately softened. It has nothing to do with you. Shes the one who cant let it go.

I stared at the ceiling as a single tear escaped, sliding down my temple and disappearing silently into the pillow. I thought I had cried myself dry in the days after Jamie died, but it seemed I was wrong.

The next day, a driver took me back to the Pierce estate.

As I walked in, I saw Tessa sitting on the sofa, laughing with Gideons parents. She was cuddling Mochi, and tied around the cats neck was the little silver bell our son used to play with.

The bell was one I had made myself for Jamies first birthday, with his name engraved inside. The doctor had advised me to get rid of his belongings after he passed. I had burned everything.

Everything except that bell. It was the only thing I had left.

Oh, Sienna, youre back, Tessa said, standing up. Mochi just loves this little bell. Gideon said Jamie wouldnt be needing it anymore, so he let Mochi have it.

I walked past her without a word and snatched the bell from the cats collar. The startled animal hissed, its claws raking across the back of my hand, drawing blood.

Sienna, are you insane? Gideons mother shrieked, rushing over. Its just a bell! Are you really going to pick a fight with a cat?

Shes right, Sienna, Tessa said, her eyes welling up. If youre upset, I apologize. Please dont scare Mochi.

I clutched the bell, blood seeping between my fingers.

Just then, Gideon walked in. His face darkened when he saw the scene.

What now?

Tessa immediately went to his side, tugging on his arm. Its my fault. I shouldnt have given the bell to Mochi.

Gideons gaze, filled with reproach, landed on me.

Its a bell, Sienna. Its not a big deal. Why are you making such a scene?

He strode over, pried the bell from my grasp, and tied it back around Tessas cats neck.

The world doesnt revolve around you!

I looked down at the plane ticket confirmation on my phone for the day after tomorrow, then turned and walked back to my room without another word.

The next day, I went to the office. My assistant informed me that Mr. Corbin was demanding a personal explanation from me. I nodded, picked up the file, and went to the conference room.

Mr. Corbin sat at the head of the table, his expression grim.

Mrs. Pierce, he said, his voice cold. I hear you prioritize your work over your own son. How can I trust a business partner like that?

I stood my ground. Mr. Corbin, the circumstances of that day

The circumstances are irrelevant, he waved his hand dismissively. The entire industry is talking about it. The Pierce daughter-in-law let her sons fever rage while she was chasing a contract. I have children of my own. I have no respect for such a ruthless woman.

The other executives in the room were whispering, their eyes on me. Gideon sat beside them, silent.

I took a deep breath. What would you like me to do, Mr. Corbin?

He pushed a glass of clear liquid toward me.

Drink this. Apologize publicly. Say you were wrong to neglect your family for your career. And well consider the matter closed.

It was a full glass of whiskey, at least two shots. I have a sensitive stomach; my doctor has forbidden me from drinking.

I looked at Gideon. He averted his eyes.

Mr. Corbin is offering you a way out, Sienna. Just take it.

I picked up the glass, my hand trembling. Everyone was waiting for the show. Behind Gideon, Tessa was smiling.

I took a sip. The liquid burned my throat.

After the second sip, my vision started to blur.

When the last drop was gone, I turned the glass upside down.

Im sorry, I said, my voice hoarse. I was wrong.

Mr. Corbin finally smiled. Well done, Mrs. Pierce. Very sporting.

I turned and fled to the restroom, where I collapsed over the toilet, vomiting until my body ached. Blood mixed with the bile, and I had to cling to the sink just to stay upright.

Gideon followed me in, his face a mask of displeasure.

Are you okay?

I rinsed my mouth. Im fine.

If you cant drink, you shouldnt have forced it.

Didnt you tell me to?

He was silent. He reached out to wipe the blood from the corner of my mouth.

I took a step back. Mr. Pierce. This is the office. We should maintain a professional distance.

His hand froze in mid-air.

That afternoon, Gideons father summoned me to his study. A new agreement was laid out on the desk.

You will forfeit Jamies shares in the company, he said flatly. Furthermore, your position here is terminated. The Pierce family does not support freeloaders.

I had been wondering how I would get Gideon to sign the final divorce papers. Now, it seemed, the problem had solved itself.

But just as my pen touched the paper, Gideon burst into the room.

Dad! She cant sign that!

What? Still protecting her?

Gideon glanced at me, a flicker of guilt in his eyes.

Tessa is pregnant.

The pen slipped from my fingers, leaving a long, black gash across the page.

Gideons father stared, then his face broke into a grin of pure elation.

Really?

We just found out. Shes two months along.

The timing the baby will be born right around the time Jamie passed. It must be a sign from heaven.

Tessa appeared in the doorway, her head bowed. Sienna Im so sorry.

My father-in-law had already forgotten I existed. He rushed to Tessas side, taking her hand. My dear girl, come, sit down. He beamed. Two months! Gideon, youve finally done something right!

I stood frozen, a roaring in my ears.

Two months. Jamie passed away just over two months ago.

Of course.

Gideon walked over and wrapped his arms around me in a gentle embrace.

We can raise this child as our own, he murmured. Itll be easier for you, dont you think? You wont have to suffer so much.

I looked at him, and for the first time, he seemed like a terrifying stranger.

The three of them chattered excitedly about the new baby. No one noticed as I folded the agreement, tucked it into my purse, and walked out.

That night, I packed my things.

I had burned all of Jamies photos, keeping only a single small negative hidden in my phone case.

But the bell was still on that cat. I had to get it back.

I walked out of my room and saw Tessa standing in the doorway of what used to be Jamies nursery, holding Mochi. The room was empty now, and she was directing movers to bring in a large cat tree.

This will be Mochis new playroom, she said, smiling sweetly when she saw me. You dont mind, do you, Sienna? Gideon said it was a shame to let the space go to waste.

I saw the bell, my sons bell, tossed carelessly into a nearby trash can. My nails dug into my palms.

Oh, by the way, theres something else I forgot to tell you, she continued, her voice syrupy. Dont blame Gideon. That day, Jamie and Mochi both started coughing up blood at the same time. The vet said they both needed the medication immediately.

Her words hit me like a physical blow. Gideon had told me he hadnt noticed Jamie was coughing up blood.

Gideon agonized over it for a long time, Tessa purred.