After Rebirth I Chose to Opt Out of the Lottery Novel

Chapter 1 Three months into our silent war , I still shared a bed with Roger Miller - enduring excruciating back pain while letting him take whatever he wanted . By morning , I could barely stand . Still , I made him breakfast , pretending nothing was wrong . He refused to look at me . I stepped in front of the door , blocking his way . " Roger , how much longer are you going to treat me like this ? " He stared at me with a hatred that could kill . " Move , murderer . " When the door slammed shut , the pain finally crushed me .

I fell to the floor and stayed there , numb , until I could crawl to my feet again . Later , I knelt before my mother's grave , my tears soaking into the flowers I'd brought . " Mom , Roger says I killed you . Do you blame me too ? " " Mom , I don't love Roger anymore . He hurts me . " " Mom , I miss you ... " *** At Roger's office with homemade stomach - friendly meals , the new receptionist barred my entry . No surprise - Roger had authorized this . " Miss Williams , you deliver meals daily , but Mr. Miller always has me trash them . Please take these back . Don't make extra work for me .

" I'd hired this receptionist three months ago . Our cold war began soon after she started . Anna Toman - young , beautiful , Ivy League - coveting my position was understandable . I spared her arguments and left the food 0.00 % 1116 Chapter 1 11 288 Vouchers As she moved to bin the lunchbox , Roger's secretary stopped her with a warning glance , then gestured me inside . Anna muttered behind me , " Who does she think she is ? Someday , you'll call me Mrs. Miller with respect . " Roger ignored me for hours , untouched lunch before him . My back throbbed .

Just as I broke the silence , Anna knocked and entered . She'd removed her jacket , revealing a spaghetti - strap dress . After a dismissive glance at me , she beamed at Roger . " You wanted me , Mr. Miller ? " Roger nodded approvingly . " You look great in that dress . " Then he turned to me . " Laura Williams , Anna will attend next week's gala with me . Brief her on etiquette . " " I'll email you the guidelines tonight . " When I stayed silent , Anna shot Roger a pitiful , tearful look . I strode from his office , biting my lip to hold back tears until I cleared the building .

Employees greeted me along the way , though whispers trailed behind . " Are the boss and his wife divorcing ? Anna's practically salivating . " " Hush . Better cozy up to her - she might be the next Mrs. Miller . Remember how she held a grudge after you made her load boxes ? " Post - physiotherapy , the doctor warned against prolonged sitting , standing , or lifting - or I'd face severe spinal damage young . Outside the hospital , Brian Carter spotted me from afar . He jogged over , grinning . " Laura ! Are you ... unwell ?

" Brian's bright smile vanished the moment he saw the medicine in my hand , his brow furrowing instantly . I gave a faint smile . " Just a minor illness . " Brian insisted on walking me home . I meant to refuse , but faced with those pleading puppy - dog eyes of his , shimmering like they'd been doused in water , I couldn't bring myself to be cruel . 30.11 % 11.16 Chapter 1 288 Vouchers He stubbornly insisted on helping me upstairs . Just as we were locked in this awkward tug - of- war , Roger grabbed my hand . "Thanks for bringing my wife home , kid . Now scram .

' Brian withdrew his hand , defeated , and bid me farewell . Roger's grip was iron - tight , crushing my hand painfully . He strode forward so fast he practically dragged me along . He threw me onto the sofa and kissed me without warning - domineering , savage , devoid of any tenderness . I pushed against him . He sneered , " Playing coy now ? Weren't you begging me to have you last night ? Or , " his voice turned venomous , " would you rather have that guy downstairs kiss you ? " " Roger , you bastard ! " My palm connected sharply with his cheek . Roger worked his jaw where I'd struck him .

" Laura , who's the real bastard here ? Taking my mother behind my back to ... to end it ? You've got some nerve ! " The mention of Mom made the ache in my heart instantly eclipse the physical pain . Tears poured like a broken dam . " She was my mother too ! " Roger's eyes were bloodshot . " Bullshit ! You're nothing but a murderer ! I'll never forgive you . Not ever . " My voice choked , " Roger , let's get divorced . I can't keep torturing each other like this . " " Laura , " he leaned in , his breath hot against my ear , " thinking you can run from me and escape your guilt ?

Over my dead body . "