My Wife

THE craze, the confusion, the want, the desperation, the unfounded lingering possessiveness—just what is it that he wanted from her? 

"I…" The burn in Valeric's eyes died, and he let go of her. "I…don't…I don't…" A long heavy pause. "I'm never going to hurt you, but I can't let you go if that's what you want. I can give you anything, all except that."  

"You disgust me." Stella sighed, and her hands helplessly dropped to her side. "I hate you, Valeric Jones."

Valeric made no response. For how much he simply wanted her to address him by his name, rather than how formal she did, hearing her say it now, he hated it. He didn't want her to utter that name, only to make it clear how much hatred she bore for him. 

Something about it felt like a painful arrow to the chest. 

"…I see." It was faint, she nearly didn't catch it. "Make sure to eat well. I'll be out for a while," he said and turned around, leaving the room.