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“Hello.”
“It’s me. Why did you send me that box?”
“Why not? I thought you could use it after our talk on Saturday. Do you like it?”
“No, Willa. I don’t!” I shouted. “Is this some kind of joke?”
“No. Not at all, Damien.”
“I don’t need some box of—what even is this stuff? Tea, a feelings journal, chocolate, a playlist? Really, Willa? What am I supposed to do with this shit?” I loudly voiced. “I don’t need this. What made you think it was a good idea to send me a box labeledPut Your Guard Down, Sir? It’s patronizing.”
“It’s a self-care package, Damien.”
“I don’t give a fuck what it is. I cannot believe you sent this to me.”
“You’re wounded. After our talk on Saturday?—”
“Wounded?” I interrupted. “I am far from wounded, Willa. You know what? You’re nuts. Has anyone ever told you that?”
There was silence on the other end.
“Well?” I asked.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. It won’t happen again.”
“Damn right, it won’t. I have to go.” I ended the call.
* * *
Willa
I sat on the couch, staring at my phone screen in disbelief at that man. How dare he speak to me that way. Tears stung my eyes. If he even remotely liked me, that was out the window now. The anger and hatred in his voice told me everything. And all over a stupid box because I cared enough and wanted to help him.
“Fuck you, Blackwood.” I threw my phone across the room as Matt walked through the door.
“Whoa. Darling, what are you doing?” He set his briefcase down.
“You were right.”
“Right about what?” He noticed the tears in my eyes.
“Damien hated the box and just got done yelling at me over the phone about it. He told me I was nuts.” I brought my knees up to my chest.
“Aw, Willa.” Matt hooked his arm around me and pulled me into him. “I’m sorry.”
“He called what I sent him shit.”
“You know Damien isn’t your average guy.” His grip around me tightened.
“You know what the worst part is?”
“What, darling?”
“I’m in love with my husband,” I cried. “I’ve tried not to be. God, I tried so hard, but it’s there, so many feelings.”
“You need to distance yourself from him, Willa.”
“How can I? We’re still married, and I’m obligated to do what he says until the merger is finalized.”