One hundred and sixty-four

Talia's POV:

I didn't join Nicholas in the office that afternoon. Instead, I locked myself in the library and worked on the paper, trying not to think about my husband and how much I wanted to be sitting by his side. I knew that just being near him would make me feel better that his presence alone would help with my hurt and anger, but some masochistic impulse kept me away. I didn't know what I was trying to prove to myself, but I was determined to keep my distance for at least a few hours. Of course, there was no avoiding him at dinner.

"You didn't come today," he observed, watching me as Veronica ladled us some potato soup for an appetizer. "Why not?"

I shrugged, ignoring the imploring look Veronica gave me before going back to the kitchen. "I wasn't feeling well."

Nicholas frowned. "You're sick?"

"No, just a bit under the weather. Plus, I had a paper to finish and some lectures to catch up on."