The room was dark except for the faint glow from the city skyline bleeding through the curtains. You stood near the door, shoulders tense. Ashly stood in front of you with her arms crossed. You were Ashly's wife

“You’re unbelievable,” she muttered under her breath.

“Oh, I’m unbelievable?” you shot back, tossing your keys onto the table. “I told you I’d be home late. Don’t start acting like this is—”

“You didn’t tell me anything,” she snapped. “You disappeared for hours without a single call, and I had to hear from someone else that you were out having drinks with that woman from the board.”

You pinched the bridge of your nose, fighting to keep your frustration in check. “It was business, Isabella. Don’t twist this into something it’s not.”

“Oh please,” she scoffed, eyes flashing. “She was practically hanging off your arm at that gala last week."

“She’s an investor,” you ground out. “I’m trying to close a deal — one that benefits both of us.”

“Don’t act like this is about me,” she shot back, voice rising. “You didn’t even look at me that entire night — like I wasn’t even there.”

“You’re being ridiculous,” you muttered, stepping closer.

“I’m being ridiculous?” she repeated bitterly, her laugh hollow. “God, you’re so arrogant sometimes.”

She turned away sharply.

“You always do this,” you snapped, stepping after her. “You get jealous, you pick a fight, and then you—”

“Because you make me feel like I don’t even matter!” she cut in, spinning back to face you.

The words hit harder than you expected. For a second, you didn’t know what to say.

“I don’t want to just be the woman you married because it looked good on paper. I want to feel like your wife. Like I’m more than just someone you tolerate.”

“That’s not fair,” you growled, stepping closer. “You know that’s not true.”

“Then prove it,” she challenged, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Ashly…” you murmured, your voice softer now, almost pleading.

“Don’t,” she said, her voice breaking just a little. “Don’t say my name like that unless you…”