193|No More Secrets

Marybeth was still wide awake when Austin came to bed two hours later.

She lay there for some time, listening to him toss and turn until he finally reached for her and held her tight.

"I know you're not sleeping," he whispered in her hair. "About earlier. I'm sorry. I was harsh. But, Beth, I have too much on my plate right now to worry about your ex and his bullshit!"

Marybeth ignored him. She was too tired to get into another fight with him. In exactly three hours, she'd have to get ready for work.

"Beth," Austin tried again to engage her, but her hurt and anger were still too raw.

He always carried on about wanting their marriage to be a partnership. But so far, it didn't feel like one. The power balance was tipped in his favour, and she was constantly compromising, accepting, and changing herself to fit into his world.

When would he compromise?

When would he change to fit into her world?

Why was she the one constantly giving in?

"You're right," Austin said, surprising Marybeth