His eyes went cold. He looked at me the way he looked at a difficult case file. An unruly patient who refused to follow protocol.
"Fiona, I don't think we can have a rational conversation right now." He walked to the coat rack, pulling on his jacket. "I have surgery tonight. I expect you to be here when I get back. Mom and Dad are old; stop making them worry with your tantrums."
He adjusted his collar with precise movements.
"Adrian." I spoke to his back. "Whether you agree or not, I am divorcing you. If you won't sign, I'll file unilaterally."
He paused. Glanced over his shoulder.
It was the look I hated most—professional patience layered over utter contempt.
"You are emotionally unstable. The stress is bad for your heart. We will talk when you calm down."
"I have *never* been calmer!"
*Bang.*
The door slammed shut. He was gone.
When did he become this monster?
It started when Zoe Preston arrived at the hospital.
She was his junior, a fellow alum from our university. Years ago, she'd joined his advisor's research group. Adrian had always been intense about academics—top of his class, driven by a singular purpose.