Chapter 2 I returned to my room and began packing .
* Snap ! * A willow switch fell from a box .
My heart lurched .
This was Ryders , the one he used to … discipline me when I was a child .
After we married , Id tucked it away .
Hed used it on me three times .
The first time , when I was fourteen , Id snuck into his bathroom while he was showering .
Hed beaten me mercilessly , teaching me about the boundary between boys and girls .
The second time , at sixteen , Id written him a love letter .
Another brutal beating , a lesson in morals and propriety .
And the third time , at eighteen , Id kissed him while he slept .
Hed hit me with everything he had , a lecture on honor and decency .
The past washed over me as I picked up the switch ; its cold smoothness sent a chill down my spine .
For years , that cane hadnt made a dent in my stubborn infatuation .
It was only after marriage that I finally woke up .
Marriage could be endured , but love couldnt be forced .
I took a deep breath , put the switch back in the box , and closed the lid .
I showered , crawled into bed , but sleep eluded me .
The next morning , 7:30 AM .
0.3 % < Chapter 2 As I woke up , I saw Ryder making breakfast .
Menu He was in a simple tank top , his arms corded with muscle .
Seeing me dressed to go out , his voice turned icy .
Where are you going ? I clutched my bag , forcing composure .
To the post office .
I need to mail a letter to a friend .
It wasnt entirely a lie ; I was going to the post office .
But I was sending my personnel file to the Quantico research facility .
Ryders dark eyes narrowed , assessing my words .

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Have breakfast first .
Ill drive you .
He didnt trust me , feared another scene at the base .
I obediently ate with him , then rode with him to the post office .
Returning home in the afternoon , Mrs.
Gable , my neighbor , intercepted me .
Claire , I hear we have a new civilian living next door .
Such a stylish woman ! We should introduce ourselves .
I politely declined .
Another time .
I went inside , retrieved my laptop , and started planning my move to Quantico .
A knock came at the door .
A woman in a wool coat and plaid scarf stood on the porch , her smile warm and inviting .
You must be Ryders niece .
Im Autumn Sears , just moved in .
Is Ryder home ? My throat tightened .
Im his wife .
Hes not home right now .
Is there anything I can help you with ? 11.0 Ո Չ < Chapter 2 Wife ? He only mentioned a niece .
Menu Autumns surprise was palpable , but she quickly recovered , handing me a book .
Sorry , I didnt know .
I finished reading this book of Ryders .
Could you give it back to him ? She left after saying this .
Id almost forgotten ; Ryder forbade me from mentioning their marriage .
No wonder she didnt know .
I placed the book on the coffee table , intending to give it to Ryder later .
A leaf shaped bookmark fell out .
Ryders familiar handwriting leaped out at me .
* Marriage is a walled city ; those outside want in , those inside want out .
My fingers trembled as I opened the book .
The margins were filled with a lively exchange between two distinct hands Ryders bold script and Autumns elegant cursive .
Autumn : * Are you happy with your life ? * Ryder : To know the inevitable and accept it as fate .
Autumn : Kindred spirits across the miles , longing hearts yearn .
* Ryder : Leaving behind the green mountains , to be together forever .
* Page after page , they discussed poetry , philosophy , life … like two perfectly matched souls .
A suffocating cloud of despair settled over me .
I dont know how I found the strength to turn to the final page .
0.3 % < Chapter 2 Menu Autumns last question : Want to escape this walled city with me ? * Ryders response , bold and decisive : Yes .
Very much so .
114 Ryders avoidance of me suddenly made sense .
Hed already given his heart away .
The weight of betrayal crushed me .