He Speaks to Everyone But Me Chapter 03

He Speaks to Everyone But Me Chapter 03

[Ella’s POV]

The day I left the hospital, the nurse handed Owen my discharge instructions: checkups, rest, and a warning that I should keep talking to a minimum.

It was drizzling. Owen held the umbrella over me, tilting it my way, looking every bit like a caring husband.

I was about to get in the car when someone called out.

“Ella?”

I turned.

Margaret Collins, an old college classmate, swept her eyes over me and Owen, then smiled.

Too sharp.

“Wow. Three years later, and you’re still with the silent husband?”

Maggie leaned in, enjoying herself. “You made such a scene at that homecoming party defending him. I thought your love would work miracles and make him speak.”

Before, I would’ve stepped in front of Owen and fought for him the way I had that night.

But I didn’t move this time.

I just looked at Owen.

One word.

Just one.

“Not true.”

“Don’t say that.”

“She’s my wife.”

Even just my name.

I was desperate enough to think that if he spoke right now and shielded me from the humiliation, I’d give myself one more reason to stay.

But Owen just stood in the rain, staying silent, letting Maggie’s mockery fall entirely on me.

She laughed harder. “See, Ella? You’re a joke.”

I didn’t answer. I kept staring at Owen until the last spark of hope died out.

Back home, Owen set out my pills and grabbed the whiteboard.

[Don’t listen to her.]

I ignored him and walked to the study.

Everything from three years of speech therapy was there: flashcards, sign language books, therapy logs, and the little notes I’d handwritten.

[Owen, you did great today.]

[We’ll take it slow.]

[Someday you’ll say my name.]

I picked them up one by one—held each one—then dropped them all in the trash.

Owen panicked. He grabbed my wrist and signed frantically.

[What are you doing?]

[You’re throwing these away?]

[Are you giving up on me?]

I looked at him, and the irony hit me.

He’d given up on me first.

I tossed the last log in the bag and walked to the bedroom.