章 509: STUBBORN WOMAN

IVAN POV

I lay in the darkness, the cool silk sheets a stark contrast to the heat of my anger. Tonight, Arianne had not come to our bed chamber, a silent testament to the rift that had grown between us. I knew she was furious with me, just as I was with her.

I tossed and turned, trying to find a comfortable position, but the weight of our unspoken words hung heavy in the air. I closed my eyes, willing sleep to come and offer me respite from the turmoil of the day, but it eluded me.

I replayed the events of the evening in my mind, the harsh words spoken in anger, the accusations hurled back and forth. Neither of us willing to back down, to see reason in the midst of our fury. And now, here I lay, alone in our bed, the emptiness of her absence a physical ache in my chest.