My Saving Grace

Chapter 43

The following morning at work, I ran into Ella and Peter on my way to the lab. They immediately stopped in front of me with matching inquisitive expressions.

"Good morning, you two," I greeted, raising a brow in confusion. "Is something wrong?"

"This one actor's Oscars speech went viral on the internet. Chase Lincoln. You've heard of him?", Ella asked.

"Yes...I have," I replied slowly, darting my eyes between the two of them.

"Thing is, he dedicated his award to a person named Sophia Grace..."

"And, we were curious if there was any chance he was talking about you," Peter finished.

I let out a long exhale.

"Yup, he was."

"What the...all this time, you've been friends with a celebrity, and you haven't told us?!", Ella exclaimed.

"I don't really tell anyone about him."

"Hey, Sophia is pretty much a celebrity herself. Her dad's Derek Weston, remember?", Peter interjected, shooting me a grin.

"I'm talking Hollywood celebrities, Peter. Oh my gosh, this is so exciting. Next half-apps at Applebee's, you're giving us all the details," Ella said animatedly.

"Sounds like a plan." I smiled.

We said our goodbyes then headed in our separate directions. Sure enough, I had a couple of other co-workers approach me throughout the day asking if I was the Sophia Grace in Chase's speech. It was trending everywhere on social media and the news, like Ella had said.

On my way home from work, I stopped by the grocery store to buy ingredients for chicken Alfredo. I left the TV on as I cooked, not wanting to be engulfed in silence. I shot Antonio a text around seven.

Me: Are you coming home for dinner?

He replied instantly.

Antonio: No, I'm caught up with some thesis papers.

I frowned, trying not to read too much into it. Grabbing a pair of tongs, I scooped some pasta onto a plate then poured myself a glass of white wine before heading to the couch. The wine I managed to finish, but my pasta was barely touched. I'd simply just lost my appetite.

By eight, I was curled up in bed, and after reading for a good two hours, I turned off the lamp and closed my eyes. It was then I heard the door creak open and the sound of Antonio's footsteps. I pretended to sleep as they paused by my bedside. He released a heavy sigh before heading to the bathroom, leaving me feeling utterly hollow.

For the next two days, his avoidance of me continued, and I'd stopped bothering to text if he was coming home for dinner. I knew work kept him busy, but as convenient as it was, we all knew that wasn't the real reason.

I was getting ready for bed Wednesday night, and my phone lit up with a notification that tomorrow was Valentine's Day. I honestly hadn't even remembered, and obviously, Antonio hadn't mentioned any plans.

In that moment, I realized I'd had enough of his distant behavior. I wanted my husband back—God knew how torturous these past couple of days had been not seeing or talking to him. I craved his touch, his kisses. Yes, our marriage had its ups and downs, but one thing for sure would always be right between us—our sexual relationship.