Sammie Chaven

By the time Reed brought my birthday cake home, the box was already lopsided. Frosting smeared the inside of the lid, and the cake itself had collapsed. He offered me a strained smile. “Sorry, Amaris. I didn’t realize it would slide around so easily in the car.” “You should have told me it needed to be kept flat.” I took a deep breath, fighting the urge to snap. At least the bouquet of roses he was holding looked pristine. I had just reached for them when he pulled the flowers back, slapping my hand away. “Don’t touch them. They’re for Chiara. You’ll ruin the wrapping.” My expression must have soured, because he quickly added, “Don’t make a big deal out of it. My brother’s gone, and she’s all alone. I have to look out for her.” Then he turned and headed for the door, ready to take the flowers to Chiara’s apartment. I stared at his retreating back. “Reed, I want a divorce.” … He frowned when he heard the words. “Because the cake got ruined? Or because I bought flowers for Chiara?” “Amaris Cross, you’re asking for a divorce over something so trivial?” He said it as if I were the one being unreasonable. A chill spread through my chest. I’d spent all morning waiting for a birthday surprise, but by afternoon, he hadn’t so much as mentioned it. I finally broke down and asked him. He looked genuinely stunned. “Today’s your birthday? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” In that moment, it felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over my head. I’d gotten up early, put on a dress, done my makeup, even made his favorite lasagna. And he hadn’t even remembered. I looked straight at him. “Reed, it’s my birthday. You haven’t said a word to me all day.” “I asked you to pick up one cake, and you destroyed it. But you managed to carry Chiara’s flowers just fine.” “Who’s your wife, Reed? Me or her?” His face darkened. “It’s just a birthday. How old are you? Do you still need me to treat you ......