“You always shut down when it matters,” you said. “Like if you don’t say anything, the problem disappears.”

Theodore stood with his arms folded across the room, but the tension in his jaw gave him away. “I don’t shut down,” he said quietly. “I hold back. Because every time I speak, you act like I’m trapping you.”

You shook your head, laughing bitterly. “This whole marriage is a trap.”

There. You said it and Theodore flinched.

You hadn't meant to go that far. But anger had already started to make decisions for you.

Your fingers reached for the ring. It felt heavier now than it ever had. With trembling hands, you slid it off your finger, trying to make a point — to show him that you couldn’t keep pretending.

But the second you did it, Theo’s face dropped. “Don’t.”

His eyes locked onto yours, open and unguarded in a way that made your breath hitch.

“Not like that,” he said, taking a step forward. “Not like it means nothing.”

You froze.

The ring sat in your palm, small and cold, suddenly more powerful than anything else in the room.

“I…” You looked down. “I didn’t mean—”

But the damage was done.

Theo crossed the space between you, reached out, and took the ring from your hand. He held it as though it might disappear if he wasn’t careful.

“You don’t have to love me,” he said. “I’d never ask you for that.”

He paused, his eyes searching your face as though he was still hoping for a sign — any sign — that you might take it back.

“But I thought…” He whispered. “I thought you’d at least try.”

You felt something twist in your chest.

Theo closed his hand slowly around the ring.“I never wanted to be your prison,” he said quietly. “But I hoped I could become your home.”