Chapter 12 •A Day of Independence•

The morning sunlight slanted through the blinds as Maddie shook herself awake. Socks was already at her feet, purring as if to say good morning. She smiled, brushing the cat’s soft fur before rolling out of bed.

Today was going to be a busy day—she could feel it in her bones. Work had piled up over the last few days, and there were tight deadlines that required her full attention.

As she dressed in a simple blouse and slacks, Maddie could hear Mark in the kitchen, but she didn’t stop to talk to him.

“Don’t expect me to be here tonight,” he called, his voice clipped. “I’ll be at the office late.”

Maddie didn’t respond. She simply grabbed her keys, giving Socks one last scratch before heading out the door.

The office was bustling as usual when Maddie arrived, the familiar hum of printers and the murmur of voices filling the air. Her desk was stacked with reports and emails awaiting her attention.

She rolled up her sleeves, took a deep breath, and dove into her work.

Her coworkers—mostly friendly - though some had a knack for gossip—occasionally checked in, but Maddie kept her focus. She didn’t have time to entertain anything today.

The pressure from deadlines weighed heavily, but she welcomed the distraction. It was easier to focus on numbers and deadlines than to think about Mark’s moods or the growing rift between them.

“Hey, Maddie!” Jamie, a colleague from the marketing team, poked her head around the corner. “You need a break? I’m grabbing some coffee.”

Maddie glanced at the clock. It was almost noon. She rubbed her temples, feeling the beginning of a headache. “Yeah, that sounds good. I’ll come with you.”

As they walked to the coffee machine, Jamie filled Maddie in on the latest office gossip, but Maddie’s mind was elsewhere. She absently stirred her coffee, trying to ignore the gnawing unease that had been with her all morning.

Her phone buzzed with a message from Mark, but she didn’t check it.

“Everything okay?” Jamie asked, eyeing her.

“Yeah, just a busy day,” Maddie said with a tight smile, trying to push down the discomfort. She wasn’t about to let her personal life interfere with her career.

Jamie raised an eyebrow but didn’t push further. Instead, she smiled. “Well, don’t let the work stress get to you. You’re doing great.”

Maddie appreciated the sentiment, even if it felt a little hollow. “Thanks.”

By mid-afternoon, Maddie was deep in a presentation for a client meeting the next day. She was in the zone, typing quickly, outlining key points, and organizing data when her phone buzzed again.

This time, it was Ethan.

Ethan: How’s the workday treating you?

She smiled, feeling the familiar warmth in her chest.

Maddie: Busy as usual, but I’m pushing through.

Ethan: You’re a pro. Can’t wait to see you shine at this client meeting.

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment before she typed back.

Maddie: Thanks. It’s nice to have a little encouragement.

There was a small pause before Ethan’s response popped up.

Ethan: I’ve got your back, Maddie.

It was simple, but the message grounded her. It reminded her that she was more than just someone in a troubled relationship. She had her own strength, her own goals.

As the day wore on, Maddie’s mind wandered only briefly to Mark’s absence. The office provided a welcomed distraction, and she could almost forget the tension she’d come home to the night before. But when the day ended and she made her way back to the car, the thoughts returned.

Mark’s absence was predictable, but Maddie felt a deep pang of disappointment every time he wasn’t around. Still, she had to remind herself that it wasn’t her fault. She was building a life for herself, one that didn’t revolve around him.

When she got home, Socks was waiting for her, purring loudly as she entered.

“Hey there, little one,” Maddie whispered, scooping him up. She kissed the top of his head and settled onto the couch.

Her phone buzzed again—it was Mark.

Mark: You home?

She sighed. The text was straightforward, almost too casual. Her thumb hovered over the screen, her thoughts drifting back to the last time they’d talked. She had nothing to say to him at the moment. So, she let the message sit unread, deciding she didn’t have to engage. Not right now.

For the first time in a long while, Maddie felt the weight of her independence settle around her. The world wasn’t Mark’s anymore—it was hers.

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