Chapter 207: The depth of manipulation

Entering the bedroom, Greg found it empty. And so was the bathroom. Where did she go?

As time ticked by, Greg's brow furrowed in concern. Had Valerie slept in one of the guest rooms or had she left the house altogether? He shook his head, she couldn't have left. He was in the living room and didn't see her leave.

He checked the rest of the house, and Greg's anxiety dissipated slightly, knowing she was still in the house, in Ruby's room, lying there on the child's bed with her birthday outfit still on.

He wished to speak with her, but he also knew that whatever he said would feel wrong to her, so, he returned to Valerie's room, hoping she'd join him after she was calm.

Seconds turned minutes, and minutes turned hours, still, she didn't show up. He waited all night and she didn't show up. The fact that she didn't return to their bedroom stung.

He couldn't shake the feeling that their argument had driven a deeper wedge between them.