Chapter 44

“Do you? Call it a failure and a step down?” 

The question settles between us, because that’s the real thing, isn’t it? Not what other people think. What I think. 

I look around again. The apartment isn’t impressive, and nobody would envy it. But every single thing inside it belongs to me. 

The cheap bubble bath. The books. The second-hand wine glasses. The freedom. 

All mine. 

“No.” The answer comes easily, in the end. “No, I don’t.” 

Something warm flickers in his expression, and I rest my chin on his chest.