The sight of her crying pierced him, though his anger pushed back. “I just need the truth,” he said, softer but still sharp. Claire shook her head violently. “I can’t do this.” She turned, retreating toward the bedroom. “I can’t live with someone who thinks like this.” The door slammed behind her.
Daniel stood alone in the kitchen, the card limp in his hand. The house felt hollow, like the air had been sucked out. Fury and shame twisted together until he couldn’t breathe. He grabbed his jacket and stormed outside into the cold night, walking with no destination, trying to outpace his thoughts.