The Revenge of the Mute Wife by Melanie Paulson

"What do you mean, prepare? Prepare for what?" he asked, confused.

[It's a secret.]

"Oh... how mysterious," he chuckled. "Hey, Deborah, do you think that, um... well, you know... when you're officially divorced, maybe you and I..."

[Jayden, I see you as a good friend.] Deborah smiled sadly.

"I know, but... could you give me a chance?

[Well, I...]Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

"Hey, don't worry. I know it's early, but I want you to consider me in the future because you seem like a perfect woman, beautiful inside and out," he said, moving closer to gently caress her face with the back of his right hand. [Jayden...] Deborah blushed at his words as it was the first time someone had called her beautiful.

"I understand it's sudden, but my feelings are real. I even learned sign language and Morse code just to communicate with you naturally, instead of making you carry around a notebook all the time."

She felt a bit embarrassed by his confession, remembering the first time she met him when she knocked on his door asking for help when she had a problem in the kitchen since Roger ignored her calls.

"Heh, let's just say it was love at first sight for me, and I liked seeing how hard you tried to learn what I was explaining... even though that ingrate never appreciated you," he said, annoyed upon recalling an afternoon when he saw Roger humiliating and belittling her before leaving her alone. "You know, I hate him for never valuing you."

Deborah was touched by his words, but she also felt conflicted. What would happen. if he found out about the baby?

[Jayden, I-]

"Hey, I'm not asking for everything now. I'll be patient," he said, handing her the keys and a new cell phone. "My number is saved, and these are the keys to your new house." +15 BONUS

[Thank you, um... how can I repay you?]

"By making a welcome pie for your new neighbor," he said, winking and pointing to the house next door.

Deborah laughed at his gesture, understanding what he meant. [Hmm... then it'll be a delicious pie like the last one, my dear neighbor.]

Jayden blushed at her words-seeing her laugh made her even more beautiful. Though he could only see her gestures, it was enough for him. Gathering courage, he approached and kissed her on the cheek. "Rest well."

[... You too.] Deborah felt her cheeks burning as she watched Jayden head toward the neighboring house.

When she returned to the house, she closed the door and leaned against it, letting out a sigh. So much had happened in such a short time, and now she felt the weight

of it all.

But then she smiled. No more cooking dinners for nobody; no need to keep the house clean for fear of Mrs. Peterson's visits; no more fear of answering the phone, thinking it might be Sophia mocking her; no more shouting matches.

'Well, my baby, I don't know who you'll be, but watch me closely because Mom will strive to be someone for you.' Deborah clenched her fists tightly. That was her vow: she wouldn't let herself be stepped on by anyone or anything anymore. Meanwhile, elsewhere, someone was having a major meltdown.

"No! D*mn it, where are you?" Roger had returned to the apartment, ready to confront his 'wife.' But upon entering, he noticed the lights were off, which was odd. He searched for her in their bedroom but didn't find her.

After a few minutes of searching, he noticed a plate of cold food on the dining table, a folder next to an envelope, the keys to the place, and a ring.

He took the ring and realized it was the cheap one he had bought for her, which was strange because she had never taken it off. But when he saw the folder and looked at its contents, he became furious because it was the divorce papers and the letter stating that the divorce was essentially a done deal whether he signed them or not.

He remembered his father's words: If you or she asks for a divorce, YOU LOSE

EVERYTHING.

squeezing the letter, "I'll bring you back to this damned place, and break your legs so you never leave this place again."

D