The Quiet Kind Chapter 1

Three years into my marriage with Alex, I started to think about divorce.

My best friend, Chloe, thought I was insane.

“He’s literally one in a million, Thea. What could possibly be wrong?”

Alex was the perfect husband. I couldn't find a single fault. I just gave her a tired smile and asked her to play a game with me.

“Send your husband a text,” I said.

“Tell him you’re not coming home tonight.”

* * *

[Not coming home tonight.]

I typed the words into my chat with Alex. My thumb hovered for a few seconds before I pressed send.

I showed the "delivered" message to Chloe. “Don’t add anything else. Just that.”

“You know what Mark is like. He’s going to call me instantly.” Chloe scoffed, pulling out her own phone.

“Fine. Sent. Now what?”

And then— Her phone immediately rang.

“See? I told you,” she said, rolling her eyes affectionately as she put him on speaker.

“Why aren't you coming home, babe? Are you still with Thea? Is she the one who doesn't want to go home? You can bring her here, you know. Or… are you staying at her place?”

A rapid-fire string of questions, one after another.

“I’m kidding! Of course I’m coming home. Thea just wanted to play a game…” Chloe quickly explained, her voice melting into a playful purr. “But honey, it’s pouring rain out, and it’s impossible to get a cab. Can you come pick us up?”

She was glowing. That soft, easy affection of a woman who knows, without a doubt, that she is cherished.

“Of course, babe. I’m putting my shoes on now. Don't move. I’m on my way.”

The reply was just as disgustingly sweet.

I smiled, listening to them, and drained my wine glass.

My own phone finally buzzed. A new message.

[Okay. Have fun.]

From Alex.