Chapter 48. Breaking the Rules

As I put down my phone, I couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling that settled in my gut. Richard isn't to be trusted but I know he can help me. As the queasiness in my stomach turned into full-blown nausea, I stumbled towards the bathroom. The acrid taste of bile rose in my throat, and before I could react, I found myself retching uncontrollably into the toilet bowl. The spasms wracked my body, making me feel weak and helpless.

Suddenly, I felt a gentle hand on my back, rubbing soothing circles as I continued to heave. "It's okay, honey," my husband's voice said, a mixture of concern and empathy in his tone. "Let it out. I'm here."

I felt his other hand reach up to hold my hair back, preventing it from getting in the way. The coolness of the tile floor felt good against my cheek as I continued to vomit, my husband holding my head back and rubbing my back as he murmured comforting words.

Finally, the spasms subsided, leaving me feeling drained and empty. I leaned bac