Page 176 of Accidental Husband

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Griffin: You told me for a reason.

Jules: You should know the truth. Before you decide if you want to stay married.

"Jules…"

I can't place his tone. It's not a good tone, but it's not bad either.

Jules: Are you mad?

Griffin: Does it matter?

Jules: To me.

Griffin: I'm not seventeen anymore. I'm not making it about me this time.

Jules: I want to know.

He taps the door. "This will be easier if you open the door."

I shake my head. It won't. It's easier if I don't have to look him in the eyes.

If I don't have to bring the words to my lips.

If I don't have to face his reaction.

I type it out again.

Jules: Are you mad?

"I'm not answering that." His voice is low. Frustrated.

I don't know what it means.

I'm not sure I want to know.

"Please." I press my cell to my chest. "Are you?"

"Yeah."

I swallow hard.

"You promised." Hurt seeps into his voice.

I try to find the words, but there's nothing I can say.

Jules: I'm sorry.

"What for?" he asks.

Too much.

"That night, I thought you meant it. That you really would stop." His fingers brush the door.

"I did. I… I tried."

"At some point, I realized you couldn't promise that. It was like when Hunter promised he'd stop drinking. He meant it. But he couldn't do it on his own."

"I did. I did mean it."

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