He grabbed my chin with a forcefulness I had not seen before from him and said firmly, "Baby, are you disobeying your husband now?”
“I said no! Can’t you hear me?!” I shouted and pushed him away with all my strength. The force stunned him and made him staggered backward.
The bowl crashed with a sharp sound as it fell to the ground and shattered into pieces. The transparent condom that lay amidst the spilled chicken soup looked so peculiar. It was a cruel reminder of my humiliation.
Panic flashed across Austin’s face as he reached out to grab my hand. "Honey, if you don't want to eat, that's okay. It’s my fault, okay? Don’t be mad, please.”
I answered lethargically, "I’m tired. Just go to work." Then I smoothly stepped back two steps to avoid his touch and turned around to walk upstairs.
Austin stood rooted in place as he stared at my back. He watched me as I fumbled my way up the stairs like I usually did. Then I heard him sigh a sigh of relief quietly.
Once in the bedroom, I picked up my phone and sent a message to my mentor. [Professor, I’m ready. I’ll report to the lab next Wednesday.]