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Ellie felt the cool space next to her before looking up at the engraved wood atop her four poster bed. She had been sleeping in fits. Her eyes kept sneaking glances at the opposing door she had closed. It had been counterintuitive. She had spent so much of her life racing that she had learned to practice in her mind so when the final stretch came to her she was already to start edging out her competition. She knew how to check all of her mirrors in case someone was trying to pull a fast one on her. Ellie could with a sliver of hood be able to angle her vehicle in a way that it would make her impossible to pass until she had crossed that final finish line. But this wasn't really a race as a car was much easier to control than Henry.

She tried to think of bis reactions today. She hadn't really been surprised as she had always known that he had his traumas.  They were usually folded away neatly in some dark corner of his mind. Today she had accidentally opened that closet but missed the vital clue which would have really given her a clear view of what she was dealing with. How could a man fear having his way with a woman?  She had secretly read all of his tabloid articles and online news to find out as much as she could before marrying him, but those rags really had no idea of why the eligible bachelor had remained single. He had beautiful women around him that he could choose from if he wished. Boundless marriages waiting to happen, but as the world held its breath, Henry had done nothing. She knew it had something to do with his parents, but the news from there had blatantly ignored the Wongs as members of New York society. It had been a different time so it had different rules. She knew there was probably some type of cheating involved as he had refused to be seen with other women while he was with her. His moral compass was tightly against that, but he did wonder what a young Henry had seen. Were his parents cruel enough to make him watch their anger towards each other?  She wondered why the former Mrs Wong had no portraits or touch to the main house as if she had been wanting to be forgotten.

It was incredibly difficult to understand the opposing wants that haunted her partner. Henry was always reaching towards her even if it made him uncomfortable. He wanted to make her feel comfortable and loved when she was around him although the future dictated otherwise.  Although it did anger her at times, she had to admit that it was quite cute. He was like an enormous Newfoundland which easily scared people off with its side and dark color. In truth, such animals to her experience were gentle giants who wouldn't hurt a fly. Henry wanted the closeness of a marriage but was scared of the consequences of tying himself down to someone he barely knew. Ellie wanted him to get to know her better but he was so confused himself. His body was incredibly interested in getting close to her even if his mind was still stuck in its chains. Her tactics would have to be less aggressive. He would easily withdraw now that he had made a move he was unsure off. She needed to make sure his steps were sure as she led him closer to a place where he could really unwind. It was treacherous as she would be leading her husband into a bit of a trap while at the same time keeping an open mind that he could also leave. In truth, she was going to trap herself with him with the hope that in the morning she would not be alone. Most men wanted women who would treat them openly, to Henry it was distasteful. What a slippery slope to climb up and not even be sure there was anything to see at the top.

She turned away from the door and looked out the window. It was already black outside after such a cold and emotional day. She couldn't believe that she was having these types of thoughts when she had been ready for a quiet death a short while previously. Now she was in a childhood home struggling to build back up her life. What a strange series of events to wind up in her mother's old bed.

Her eyes snapped back to the door at the other end. It was madness that she could be this close to him and be feeling like she was losing already. She got up slowly and put on her slippers. It was her own damned right to chase her own husband.

She stood slowly using one of the bedposts for support. She leaned forwards to take her steps slowly when she had crossed the space between herself and the door in no time at all. Ellie held her breath as she couldn't believe what she was doing. Her fingers closed on the cool brass knob and she turned it quietly.

Pushing the door wider slowly as the room next to her was also dark,Ellie paused to take in the scene. The light pooled in from the window at the bed opposite hers. She gasped as she realized the covers were dragged downwards and that the occupant was not where he should be.

She heard a loud snore and her attention was drawn to the drawn out shadow on the opposite side of the bed. Oh, she realized slowly, Henry has fallen off the bed.

Her original plan couldn't be completed now. Lust was kind of silly now. She woke him up gently and tucked him back into bed. His bleary eyes seemed strangely calmed by her as he accepted her presence without question.

He spoke as she turned to leave.  "Mom, you forgot to kiss me."

Ellie froze and turned. His eyes were closed and he seemed to be somewhere between dream and awake. She kissed his forehead softly and as she did, Henry turned in his sleep and started snoring loudly.

What was she going to do with him?