Chapter 42

“Love is sweeter the second time around,” Ryder continued to tease me with his flowery words, but I just snorted in response.

"Stop it!"

"What do I have to do to make you love me again?" he asked, his tone pleading.

"Don't antagonize, Lucas. He's the nicest person I have ever met since I married you," I retorted, defending Lucas.

"Are you saying that his feelings are more important than mine?" Ryder's hurt was evident in his voice, but I couldn't bring myself to care.

After breakfast, I instructed Ryder to leave my apartment. But he lingered, hesitating to depart.

"What's your problem?" I demanded, growing increasingly irritated as he dawdled in the dining room.

"I think I'm not feeling well," he finally confessed.

"But you were fine just a few minutes ago!"

"I don't know, Nova. Suddenly, I don’t feel good about myself. Can I take a nap for an hour or more?" he requested weakly.

"Goodness, what's wrong with you