ROLEPLAY HQ - other-side-of-love

Atticus sat at home alone for the fourth night in a row that week, he let out a sigh as he looked at the time, he had been off work for around two hours now. He had cleaned up a bit, made the bed, and even made dinner for him and Penelope. Hoping that today she would decide to come home when she was set to get off work. But of course that wasn't the case, it had been this way for a while now. Of course he understood why she was throwing herself into her work, it meant a lot to her, plus with the stress of them trying- and failing- to conceive it made sense to be a stress outlet. At that thought his irritation grew, his fathers voice ringing in the back of his head, reminding him that he needs to produce an heir. Atticus couldn't even enjoy time with his wife anymore because of the stress both of them were under to pursue their careers while trying to extend their family. After about an hour of waiting he decided to just make his way to his in-home office, sitting down at his desk as he ran a hand down his face, letting out a deep breath. Wondering what choices he had made that led him up to this point. He quickly shook that thought from his head. It would do him no good to sit and dwell on the things going wrong in his life, that would just dig him into a deeper mental spiral than he already seemed to be on. He opened his laptop and began working on some emails, getting a head start on the work he was supposed to have for the next day. Even as he tried to focus on his work his thoughts threatened to consume him, a small groan leaving his lips as he put his head in hands, he couldn't decide whether he was angry or upset. His wife was spending hardly any time with him lately, his father was pressing him to provide a heir that would one day take over the family business, and his mom was just standing by as always. Once he realized he wasn't going to get any work done he decided to just go to bed. Making a stop in the kitchen to put Penelope's dinner on a plate, sett

14:22

ing it carefully in the microwave. A note resting on the fridge saying there was food in there for her should she be hungry, before making his way to the room, taking off his suit and putting it in with the dirty laundry, only wearing his boxers as he crawled under the covers. Laying on his back and staring up at the ceiling as he let his thoughts race. Something needed to change, and soon. @Mrs Writes 💓

Penelope Brior was married to her high sweetheart Atticus Brior. Everything in their first few years of marriage was perfect. Their dating life was beyond perfect. Everything was perfect, they where voted perfect couple every year at his family company award show. Everyone saw them as this perfect couple. Behind closed doors, for the last year, it hasn’t always been perfect. Their less good days than there is harder days. Penelope couldn’t tell you the last time she sat down with her husband over dinner. She always had the intentions of being home on time, however with her job pushing for her promotion, pen is working overtime. Was it really the promotion that was causing her to work so much? Or was it the place where she could hide from her difficulties at home. The pressure to have a baby. All so they can be handed the family company. That was one of the main reasons that her and her husband were slowly falling apart. Penelope couldn’t remember the last time they had meaningful, passionate, explosive sex. It was just a quick fuck here and there, especially on days she was ovulating. They had been trying a year with no luck. — Penelope got home, seeing a note on the kitchen counter. She smiled softly, before beating up the dinner. Penelope only nibbled at it, she was on a strict diet to try loose a bit of extra weight in a attempt to fall pregnant. Penelope hid the Evidence that she hasn’t eaten a lot before grabbing her water bottle and heading up to bed. Sneaking around her own bedroom not to wake her husband, she stripped out of her dress and underwear. Slipping on her silk night slip. As she got into bed, she gently placed a kiss on her husbands head. “Thank you for dinner…” she whispered to him as he slept.

20:42

@Eli

Atticus hadn't yet fallen asleep, his ear picking up when he heard Penelope finally step through the door to their home, his eyes moving to look at the alarm. He but the inside of his cheek as he saw how late it had been, he knew Penelope was busy, but he couldn't remember the last time she had got home at a time that wasn't later than the two even normally went to bed. As he heard her walking up he stayed still, figuring she had eaten and decided to finally call it a night. He would have to bring it up tomorrow, bring up how something needs to change before the two get pushed out of their marriage. A marriage that had previously been so love filled and happy. He missed those days, the days with no pressure aside from work on them, when they could just be a married couple without conditions. Sometimes he wondered if taking over the family business was worth it, if a title at a company was worth his quickly crumbling marriage. Normally Atticus wasn't in bed before Penelope got home. Usually when she got home he was waiting on the couch for her. But for some reason tonight he couldn't find the strength to act as if everything was okay between them, after an abnormally slow day at work, he had plenty of time to let himself get lost in his thoughts. The photo of the two that had sat in his desk seemed to be taunting him all day, reminding him that the two were no longer who they used to be. As he felt the kiss on his head he let his eyes flutter shut, a barely noticeable shaky breath escaping past his lips. That was the most intimacy the two experienced lately, barely there kisses that didn't last more than a couple seconds. Gone were the lingering kisses and the passionate exchanges of love. Replaced by only fleeting displays of affection that were few and far between. After a brief couple minutes of silence he decided to speak, moving to lay on his back as he looked over at her. “You're welcome….” he replied, thinking for a moment before deciding to speak, hoping

00:48

this question wouldn't spark a fight between the two “you're home late.. busy day?” He inquired, the question wasn't meant to be rude, but he could hear his voice have an edge of irration to it. @Mrs Writes 💓

Penelope had just settled into the bed when her husband, who she assumed was sleeping, spoke. Penelope got more of a fright than normal. Physically jumping, Clutching the covers. “Fuck sake Attie! I thought you where sleeping.” She breathed out, she turned her head to look at him. She picked up on the tone of his voice. “It was. Had to work overtime since your father is pulling me in for advice on whatever the two of you are up-to…” she sighed out. She used to love the days where she got to spend time in his office while he was there. However now, every-time they spend together doesn’t seem like the fun and excitement it used to be. Penelope stifled a yawn. “How was your day?” She asked. @Eli

Atticus let out a small laugh as Penelope jumped. “Sorry pen” he replied genuinely, not meaning to scare her the way he did. He rolled his eyes at that last comment “not me and him, just him, I have nothing to do with his latest ventures” he reminded. “Work was interesting, me and dad got into it” he grunted. The annoyance over the subject clear in his voice. “That man does not know when to let things go” he added, running his hand through his hair. Looking over at her at the sign of a yawn. He missed the days where him and Penelope would spend time together, talking about anything and everything. “Are you planning on being home on time tomorrow? I have something I need to go over with you” he said simply, not bothering to add more to that statement. Though with the way he was acting tonight it was the only option to assume it was something to do with how their marriage was going. @Mrs Writes 💓

Penelope rolled to her side to face him. “I can’t see the future…but I hopefully should be home at my normal time. Depends when your father lets me away. It is technically my day off..” she reached over, gently twisting his chain around the correct way. “We will also be working in the same building tomorrow…you could always catch me there.” She added as she fought the closure of her eyes. Penelope lost the battle of staying awake not long after his response. Barely hearing it as she fell asleep with her hand on his chest. The small gesture was the closest they had slept next to each other in weeks. — The next morning, both of their alarms goes off early in the morning. Penelope groans, sleeply hugging into him. “Ugh, turn it off!” She muffles into his chest. After the second Alarm, she gets up. Going straight to the bathroom turning the shower on. Penelope goes through her morning routine without speaking. She was not a morning person. @Eli

Atticus just nodded at that. Not knowing whether Penelope meant her actual normal time, or the time that had seemed to become their new normal. He lifted his head a bit so she could adjust his chain, looking over at her for a moment. “Yeah. I can always catch you in the office you're right” he commented, though he knew that wasn't exactly true, he knew it wasn't a conversation that could or should happen around listening ears, especially his fathers. They had a facade of a perfect loving couple to keep up after all. Once he saw that she had fallen asleep he took that moment to look at her. This was the closest the two had been for as long as he could remember, and he wasn't sure if he was ready to ride that up quite yet. Eventually his tiredness caught up with him, his eyes slowly closing as he drifted off to sleep with her. Sometime in the night Atticus had pulled Penelope closer, her head resting on his chest as he held her close to his body. The alarm wasn't what had woken him up, but rather hearing the vibrations of her voice against his chest. Slowly letting his eyes open as he let out a deep chuckle, reaching over to turn his alarm off. He stayed in bed for a moment as he watched her get up, observing her leaving the room before he sighed and stood up, rolling his shoulders for a moment to work out any knots that may have formed while he slept. Walking into the bathroom while she was showering so he could start getting ready for his own day. “Are you riding with me today or are you taking your own car?” He inquired, his voice still deep and groggy from just waking up. After he had finished brushing his teeth, moving to the bedroom to get changed in his normal black suit, tying his tie snugly around his neck, knowing he would probably pull it off halfway through the day. @Mrs Writes 💓

Penelope was finishing her makeup as he asked. “Can I ride with you? Is that okay?” She lifted her usual bottle of perfume, realising it was empty. Choosing to wear the perfume she wore on their wedding night. Unbeknown to Penelope, she was making the conversation that Atticus wanted to have all that much harder. It was a signature, expensive scent that she allowed herself to buy simply for their wedding. She wanted to buy something different so that every time they both smelt it they would remember their wedding. Coming out of the bathroom, she clutched her towel tightly. Before slipping on her underwear and bra. After dropping the towel, her thinner than normal figure would be on show before she slipped on an above the knee pencil skirt and blouse. She turned to look at Atticus. “Atticus, you need to fix that tie..” she made her way over. Redoing his tie for him. Another small gesture that Penelope would have no idea would make the conversation he was planning even harder. @Eli

Atticus looked over as he heard her speak “yeah that completely okay, we're going to the same place anyways” he shrugged As he watched Penelope pick up the perfume bottle his breath hitched. Letting his eyes close for a moment as he took a deep breath, she was unknowingly making their later conversation much harder for him. Memories of their wedding day and how happy they had been moving to the front of his mind. Which is exactly what he knew Penelope had planned for when she first bought the perfume. His brows furrowed as he let his gaze move over her body, while she was still beautiful as ever in atticus’ eyes, it was obvious the woman had lost a considerable amount of weight, a pang of concern running through his chest as his eyes softened. No matter how much the two had drifted, his care and his love for her had never lessened or dulled. Though he decided not to say anything, not wanting her to get self conscious or risk upsetting her. As she walked over he looked down at her, his hands moving to rest against her hips at the close proximity, smiling softly at her as she fixed his tie. “What would I do without you” he commented, his heart hurting at that thought, what would he do without her? The two had been attached at the hips since they were younger, neither of them knew of a life without the other there. Atticus caught a sniff of Penelope's perfume, his eyes closing at the smell as he looked down at her, if this were to be the day before everything could either get better, or a larger rift was formed between the two, he was going to bask in it as long as possible, one of his hands moving to cup her cheek. “I love you, you do know that right?” He said sadly, his eyes searching hers. @Mrs Writes 💓

As Atticus’s hands went to her waist. She smiled up at him. At their normal. Life had been hectic lately, however in Penelope’s mind. They adjusted well. “What would you do without me?” She laughed softly, reaching up on her tiptoes to kiss him. Their kiss lingered slightly. Hearing him say that he loved her, she choked slightly. Why did that hurt? “I love you too Attie” she smiled softly. Finished his tie she moved away. Finding her shoes. “I’m ready when you are…breakfast on the go?” She asked @Eli

Atticus returned the kiss softly, though it was over far too soon, sooner than he would've liked. As she moved it out on her own shoes he slipped on his polished black dress shoes, running his hand through his hair to make sure it was in place and not everywhere. “Is there even another way to have breakfast?” He teased. With them being as busy as they were, they hardly ever sat down to have breakfast. After they were both ready he paused to look at his watch, realizing they didn't have much time before they needed to hustle out the door. “Shall we?” He inquired as he walked over to the front door and held it open for Penelope, tapping his pants pockets to make sure he had everything he would need for the day, his work bag already in his car @Mrs Writes 💓

Penelope got her work bag from the kitchen. Noticing his works phone in the kitchen. She picked it up, handing it to him as she walked out the door. Getting into the passenger seat of the car, she immediately turned on her heated seat. Getting comfortable for the short drive to their local Starbucks. “How come your not in the meetings today?” She asked Atticus while on her own phone checking her work schedule. — As they pulled into the drive thru, Penelope announced her order. “Can you just get me my usual coffee. Iced Vanilla with almond milk. I don’t want anything to eat..” she smiled at him, putting her phone down. @Eli

Atticus smiled softly as Penelope handed him his phone, putting it in his pocket before he followed her out their front door. As he got in he made sure to buckle up, adjusting his rear-view mirror as he slowly pulled out of the driveway. Atticus’ hand instinctively making its way to rest on Penelope's hand as he drove, glancing out of the corner of his eye when she spoke. “I'm in one meeting today, I have some business my father wants me to work out while the meetings are taking place.” He simplified, not wanting to explain that after he and his father got into it yesterday, he was taken off the assignment. As they pulled up he looked over at her with raised brows “you don't want anything to eat?” The concern practically radiating from him. He leaned over out the car window so he could order her usual, getting just a black coffee for himself, along with two of the meals they normally got. “Just incase you change your mind or want it for lunch…” he explained as he pulled up to the first window. Handing them his card so he could pay. @Mrs Writes 💓

“I’m not hungry…” she smiled softly. Half rolling her eyes when she heard him order two of the meals. “Attie..” She sighed after he explained “fine I’ll have it for lunch..” she squeezed his hand to reassure him as her phone rang. She answered the call - ”Hello. Hi, yes this is she. Tell him not to touch anything until I get there. I swear on the almighty god, I will put him in a home faster than he can tell me to fuck off…tell him not to touch anything.” She hung up the phone. - “Your father. This man may be all knowing when it comes to business deals…but he does not understand a scam when he sees one.” She rolled her eyes, taking her coffee off him. “Thank you for breakfast..” @Eli

Atticus smiled softly as she said she'd have it for lunch. Relaxing in his seat as he waited for the car infront of them to leave so he could pull up. As he pulled forward he looked out of her out of the corner of his eye, biting the inside of his cheek to stop himself from laughing as he thanked the worker and took their items, waiting for a moment till Penelope was off the phone. “What's he doing this time?” He asked as he looked over at her, taking her coffee and offering it to her before taking a drink of his own, pulling out of the drive thru. “You're welcome pen”

Once they arrived at work Atticus let out a small sigh. “Here we go” he complained as he stepped out of the car, grabbing his work bag before making his way to her side, opening the car door for her. “Do you have a meeting around lunch time?” He inquired, trying to get a read on if that would be a good time to have their conversation. Not knowing if they would have time tonight since his father always seemed to demand more attention than Penelope could give. Walking to the front door of the building to open the door for her yet again. @Mrs Writes 💓

Penelope didn’t go into too much detail over what his father had done now. Their drive from the Starbucks to his office building was about 20 minutes where they sat in silence until Penelope laughed softly at Atticus “here we go” comment. As Atticus opened her door, Penelope thanked him. Smiling at him lovingly. With a coffee in one hand, her handbag over her shoulder and her phone in her other hand as they walked into the offices. “Erm, I currently don’t. Would you like me to pencil you in.” She looked over at him as they walked. Although unusual to have to pencil a meeting with your husband in. For them it wasn’t. Penelope was always ran off her feet when she was in the office, which was once In a blue moon now. When pen started working and would split her time between her offices and his, Atticus and her would always schedule in “meetings” within their diary which ensured they saw each other and 9 times out of 10…had sex in his car. They where young. — Penelope hardly put her things down in her office before she was fetched by his fathers assistant. After a very stressful morning, Penelope knocked on Atties door. “I have time just now?” She leaned against the door.

07:55

@Eli

“If you could that would be amazing” he replied to the comment about penciling him in. Once they stepped into the office he went over to the elevator, stepping in and holding it so Penelope could follow behind him, assuming she was on her way to her office which was on the same floor as Atticus' and his fathers. Once she stepped in he pressed the button for the top floor, looking over at her as it went up. “I'll see you at lunch?” He inquired, leaning over to press a kiss to her forehead before the door opened, leaving it to linger a bit longer than he normally did, but not long enough to raise questions on his behavior.

As Atticus heard the knock on his door around lunch time, he looked up. Knowing if it was Penelope she would just walk in, she knew she didn't need permission. “Perfect” he said as he stood up, figuring they could go to his car so his father couldn't ease drop, something he was notorious for. “I was thinking we could eat in the car today? I need a break from this office” he stated, it wasn't a complete lie, the two spent so much time in the office it was beginning to grow tiresome. @Mrs Writes 💓

“Sure” Penelope placed her bag in one of the chairs that faced Atticus’s desk. Taking her lunch from earlier with her. This time she was the one who pressed the button as they both boarded the elevator. “What is it you need to talk to me about..?” A hint of worry could be sensed in her tone however, nothing to different from her normal tone. Penelope didn’t have a clear answer until they were in the car. As she got into the passenger seat, she didn’t realise that her world was going to crash In front of her. @Eli

Atticus didn't answer the question at first. Silently walking alongside Penelope as they made their way to the vehicle. His mind racing as he questioned if this was the right choice. If his happiness was worth letting his marriage go, something he had worked to make perfect since they were young. But he reminded himself that he could do this, that it was just a simple conversation. As he got in the drivers seat he pushed his seat back a bit so he could look over at her, his eyes were sad, as if holding the weight of the world on his shoulders. He took a deep breath, preparing himself for the conversation the two of them were about to have. “Something needs to change pen….” he started, his fingers nervously fidgeting with his wedding ring, a habit he had picked up since the two had got married. It was his clear sign something wasn't okay. “Between us I mean.. i can't- we can't keep doing this…” he spoke slowly, the pain of those words carving a slice in his heart. @Mrs Writes 💓

Penelope looked away from him at the first mention of things having to change. “What would you like to change..” she asked softly. Knowing in herself that things had to change to. “I mean…I’m trying my hardest to give you what you want. I can’t..we can’t afford another treatment of IVF yet. I don’t know what else you want…I don’t know what else to do..” she wipes her eyes as tears rolled down her face. Penelope couldn’t look over to him. She stared out the window to the other cars in the parking lot. “Do you want to leave me?” She looked over at him finally. The ache visible through her features. “Do you?” Her words almost snapping as she hit a breaking point. @Eli

Atticus’ heart hurt seeing the tears roll down her face, his hands itching to reach out and wipe any trace of hurt from her features. “Pen it's not… it's not about the problems with getting pregnant okay? I know you're doing everything you can” he reassured, not wanting her to feel inadequate in any way. Atticus furrowed his brows at her words, shaking his head softly. “No pen.. I don't want to leave you, but the way things are going, this isn't healthy for either of us, we hardly see each other, and when we do it's basic conversations or meaningless sex” he stressed, wanting her to believe he had tried to think of every way to avoid this outcome. “Something needs to change pen, this marriage.. it's not a marriage anymore, and I think we both know it hasn't felt like one in a long time” @Mrs Writes 💓

Penelope looked over at him. “Say it. Say the words attie…your leaving me..” she covered her face with both her hands as she fought to be brave. Taking a deep breath. She fixed her makeup in the passenger mirror. Although her eyes gave way that she had been upset as she continued to fight back the tears. “I…I have to go.” She collected her lanyard and her phone. Leaving her lunch on the dashboard. She got out of the car, accidentally slamming the door shut. Penelope made her way back into the office. Going straight into his fathers and declined the offer he made her earlier. An offer that she didn’t get the chance to speak to her husband about. What was the point. She was so hurt. Trying to hide the pain, mask it until she was alone. Her worse fear had started to come true. He was leaving her, not that she gave him time to talk about anything. Penelope spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning out her office. Avoiding Atticus. — Penelope made her own way home. Paid for her Uber and then made her way into the house. Atticus wasn’t home yet. She made her way to the kitchen. Making herself some dinner, accompanied by a large glass of wine. It was then that she heard the door. Just hearing him enter their house, sent tears flooding down her face. @Eli

Atticus’ brain short circuited as he went to answer, seeing your wife in pain because of you would do that he supposes. “Pen that's not-” he started, but was soon cut off by her saying she had to go. “Wait, pen come on” he stated before the door was quite literally slammed his face. His hands pushed against the steering wheel. ”fuck” he yelled, a few tears of his own making their way down his face. He sat there for a few minutes before his alarm sounded, letting him know lunch was over, he quickly took a deep breath, steeling himself off to the outcome of that as he stepped out of the car, rolling his shoulders and adjusting his tie as he made his way back into the office. He hadn't seen Penelope for the rest of the day, which was understandable. After their conversation he wasn't expecting much.

Atticus was the one returning home later than usual that night, after their conversation he had thrown himself into a business deal that could help the company, not even realizing what time it was until his father said he was leaving for the night. What perplexed him was his father telling him Penelope had cleaned her office out. Soon he bid his father goodnight with a promise to check on Penelope, dreading the conversation he knew he had to have when he got home. As he walked through the door it was as if the atmosphere in the house had been drained of any happiness it previously held, more of a house now, rather than a home. He walked into the kitchen, leaning against the doorway as he looked at her. “My father said you cleaned out your office tonight” he started, better to start with something light, right? @Mrs Writes 💓

sniffled, wiping her eyes. “Yup, it’s no longer needed. I no longer work there as of today.” She took a gulp of her wine as she finished off dinner. “Your father had heard that my law firm had offered me a promotion of named partner…So of course He offered me a permanent job within the company, as your guys in house lawyer. So that his precious son could spend more time with his lovely wife.” Penelope shortly laughed, shaking her head. “I declined. Instead I took the offer from my law firm. More money…less you.” Penelope finished off her wine before pouring herself another. She took a few spoonfuls of the pasta dish she made out of the pot. Not bothering to plate any up for either of him. After three bites, she turned to face him. “I’m full.. I’ll be in one of the guest bedrooms..” she took the bottle of wine with her. @Eli

Atticus’ brows furrowed as she explained why her office was empty. She had been offered a spot and rejected it. Atticus felt a song of guilt run through his veins, he had ruined this for her. As she went to walk right by him he very gently, but firmly, grabbed her wrist. Looking down at her with eyes that were a flurry of emotions. “Pen, we need to talk about this, we cant just push it off” he stated. Of all the ways he saw this going this was not it, he thought she'd scream at him, tell him that he was just taking the easy way out of things. “Something needs to change pen, I mean it, we can't keep living as strangers in a marriage, that's now how this is supposed to be” he stressed. Hoping she would at least sit down to have a conversation with him. “There's a drift between us, things are changing and not in a good way.” @Mrs Writes 💓

Penelope stopped when he took hold of her wrist. “Then talk Atticus! You can be the one to want things to change but I’m not a fucking mind reader! I don’t know what you want to change!” She yanked her arm back. The emotions raw in her voice. As she leaned against the counter, she could barely look at him with how much pain she felt. A hundred in one things where running through her mind. At that moment, the only way she saw too was a divorce. “I’m listening Atticus…what is it that you want from me…” Penelope filled the silence that had fallen between them. @Eli

“I would talk if you stopped running away everytime I attempt to” Atticus snapped back. Taking a deep breath to calm himself so it didn't escalate into a screaming match between the two. He really wouldn't get what he needed to out if it did. His hold was loose enough that she could easily pull her arm out, which she did. He took a moment, his brows furrowed as he searched his thoughts for where to start this conversation without it turning into a full blown argument. How to approach it carefully. “This can't continue Penelope” he started. “Neither of us are ever home, we don't kiss each other unless it's quick, we don't have sec unless it's just a quickie with absolutely no love behind it, hell we don't even eat meals together or spend time together anymore!” He stressed, throwing his hands up in emphasis. “Last night was the closest we have slept together in weeks pen. This isn't a marriage anymore, it's a simple arrangement between two people” his heart hurt to put all that into perspective, to put into words just how far gone their marriage was. “I love you, I always have and I always will, but this isn't how things are meant to be.” @Mrs Writes 💓

Penelope stood with her arms crossed, her heart breaking and eyes filling with tears. “I love you. I still haven’t heard how you want things to change. I don’t think you know yourself what you want.” Penelope turned away, facing away from him as she sniffled back tears. “Do you want a divorce?” She asked. “Just be honest Atticus! There’s no point in any us saying we’ll try be home earlier. It doesn’t happen! And as for eating together, we were going to have lunch today but you had different plans!” She could feel herself rile. Instead she served his dinner, putting it in front of him before she left. Going to their bedroom. @Eli

Atticus watched Penelope as she spoke, biting the inside of his lip to stop himself from either getting emotional or getting irritated, neither would hep this situation any. At the mention of a divorce he let his eyes squeeze shut, was that what he wanted? No. But it also seemed like the only way either of them could get past this, at least on Atticus’ side. Though, he didn't speak yet, lost in his own thoughts. “Yes” he blurted out as she was walking away from him. “Yes I want a divorce” he tried to say it strongly, but his voice was shakey, his hands clenched into fists as if the words were painful to get out, and in a way, they were. He never would've imagined Penelope and him would've ended up here. Where did they go wrong? They used to be inseparable and now Atticus was proposing a divorce. @Mrs Writes 💓

Penelope nodded as she walked away. She had only got behind their bedroom door as she broke down crying. Why was she so emotional? Where did they go wrong? Finding her pj shorts and a silk pj tank top, she made her way to one of the guest rooms. It was only 7pm and already Penelope had gotten into bed. Sobbing herself to sleep. Waking up the next morning, she went downstairs and made herself a coffee. She sat at the kitchen counter, working on her laptop. Hoping that he had gone to work already, then she heard the shower stop. Her eyes were puffy and bloodshot from the tears she shed. As her husband entered the room. Penelope kept her head down at her laptop. Continuing to work away.

16:41

@Eli

Atticus sighed as Penelope walked away, looking at the dinner she had put on a plate for him, deciding he had ultimately lost his appetite after that, the thought of eating almost making him ill. By the time he had made his way to their room, it was almost midnight, a choice he would surely regret tomorrow when he had to be up early to go to work. When he got there and saw Penelope wasn't there he felt a pang in his chest, though he figured this was now their new normal. He couldn't remember the last time he had to sleep while Penelope's side of the bed was cold and untouched, but he would just have to get used to that.

As expected the next morning when he woke up at 7am on the dot he was exhausted. Between not going to bed till late and tossing and turning all night he hardly got any sleep. Figuring a cold shower would wake him up he jumped into the shower, he would have to rush a bit as he was already running a bit behind. As he came downstairs, now dressed in his black suit, he ran his hand through his hair, making sure it was in order. Atticus figured he would skip a tie today, it never looked right without Penelope adjusting it for him. “I'm going to work” he spoke up from the entrance to the kitchen. At least wanting to let her know that he was leaving. @Mrs Writes 💓

Penelope gave him a slight “mhm” as the only acknowledgment of his announcement. She had decided to stay at home today and work. Just as Atticus was about to leave she finally spoke. “Atticus! If you want a divorce…I can get the paper written up for you.” Her tone strong. She had her lawyer voice on. Allowing him to reply before she made a face at the closed door out of pure anger towards their broken marriage. Penelope then went up to their loft, brining down their wedding albums. At that point she was needed in a meeting. After her meeting, Pen sat on their couch and looked through each of the albums. Taking her time. Sobbing over each picture and each happy memory. She was so young, so was he. Where did they go? @Eli

Atticus was almost out the door when he heard Penelope speak, taking a deep breath as he looked over at her. Despite how upset he was, his gaze was unwavering. “If you could that would be great” he said before closing the front door behind him. He wasn't exactly in the right mindset for work, but he knew he needed to do his job. He had a meeting almost as soon as he got in the office, and he silently scolded himself for not paying more attention. As the day progressed Atticus threw himself into his work more than he normally did, getting documents read over and signed faster than usual.

At 9:30 pm Atticus decided he should go home, he was dreading it but he couldn't exactly sleep in the office all night. After driving abnormally slow the whole way home he tried to slip in the house as quiet as possible, not wanting to wake Penelope should she be sleeping, though, he was also silently hoping he wouldn't have to come face to face with his failing marriage, not tonight at least. @Mrs Writes 💓

Penelope had left their wedding photos out, accompanied by a empty bottle of wine, on their kitchen island. She had already gone upstairs to their bedroom. Not planning on staying. Just collecting a few items. She startled as Atticus sneaked into their room. “Fu- Jesus Atticus! Why are you sneaking around the house!” She clutched the pjs and few pieces of clothing that she was getting out of her Wardrobe to her chest. “Sorry I’ll get out of your room. I was just getting some clothes..” she looked over at him. “You look exhausted Attie..” she moved her hair away from her face. Showing her own puffy blood shot eyes. “I couldn’t bring myself to do…the papers. I’m sorry.” Penelope felt awkward in her own bedroom. The bedroom felt like a whole different life now. @Eli