Chapter 10

Nicola Taylor

I hummed softly as the hot water cascaded over my tired muscles, the steam enveloping me in a soothing embrace. The sweet scent of my strawberry body wash filled the air as I lathered it onto my skin, followed by the familiar fragrance of my strawberry shampoo.

Yes, I was obsessed with strawberries.

Quickly brushing my teeth and taking some Advil for my headache, I threw on a basic tee and shorts, added a touch of makeup to look somewhat human, and tidied up the house a bit. I wondered if he had left, considering how quiet it had been.

“You’re still here,” I said, genuinely surprised to find him standing exactly where he was when I had slammed the door shut.

“This is nothing. I’ve waited hours for people,” he bragged as he walked past me into the house.

People? He means his wife.

“Well, as you can see, I’m completely fine. Now you can leave. Thank you for checking up on me,” I said, standing near the door, holding it open.

“Close the door, Nicola,” he said, making hims