He exhaled like I was exhausting him. “Our son is gone. Stop clinging to irrelevant things.”

The words knocked the air from my chest.

I turned to leave. But his fist caught my hair, dragging me down to my knees.

“Clean up this mess. And apologize to Sally,” he thundered.

Shards cut into my knees. Blood dripped to the white tiles.

I didn’t move. Not fast enough.

For a heartbeat, his eyes softened, like maybe he pitied me.

Then his grip tightened, yanking me up so hard my scalp screamed.

"Do it, Eliana. Or l'Il make you."

ELIANA

"Fine-I'm sorry! Just let go, you're hurting me!"

My voice cracked. Darren's grip loosened in my hair, his anger faltering.

"I didn't know.." he muttered, looking guilty.

I didn't answer. I bent down and began picking up the shattered glass. The shards bit into my palms, but I kept going. My body moved on its own, cleaning like that would somehow stitch me back together.

Behind me, Sally's syrupy voice slid into the air.

"Maybe she shouldn't be bending over so much. She just had surgery."

Janine snorted a laugh. "You’re too kind. Let her clean. She needs to learn respect."

I kept silent. Silence was the only dignity I had left.

When the room was spotless, I escaped to mine. I washed the cuts I had, then sank into a bath so hot it burned.

But when I lay back on the bed, a familiar perfume clung to the sheets. Not mine. Sally’s.

The door opened. Darren strolled in, so casual, as if he hadn't torn me apart hours ago.

"Has Sally been sleeping here?" My voice came out cold.

Before he could answer, she appeared in the doorway, not bothering to knock. Her lilac silk robe hung loose on her frame. My robe.

"Darren," she cooed, "can I stay with you again? The thunder tonight—it terrifies me." Then her eyes slid to me, sparkling with mockery. "Oh… I forgot Eliana’s back."

Darren’s face flushed. "Honey, don’t be upset. The weather’s been wild, and Sally needs to be close to the nursery. Just temporary."

I stared at him, then at the robe. "You’re letting her wear my clothes now?"

Sally pouted. "Oh, Darren said I could. Mine was ruined last night when water spilled."

Darren's eyes begged me. "I'll buy you ten more.

Please don't make this a fight."

I laughed, bitter and sharp. "Don't bother. She clearly needs them more."

I packed a few things and left for the guest room without looking back.

By morning, my phone pressed cold against my ear as I spoke with my lawyer.