I began gathering my things, moving with urgency. The house felt like it was closing in on me, every wall pressing tighter by the second. Just then, the door groaned open and my mother walked in, her eyes immediately narrowing at the chaos. “What’s going on in here?” she asked, voice tinged with concern.
With unsteady hands, I pulled the zipper of my suitcase shut. “I’ve decided to take up the research project Professor Valenti offered,” I said, trying to sound composed.
She blinked in surprise, then a joyful smile bloomed across her face. “That’s amazing news, honey! I had a feeling you’d say yes eventually. This opportunity has always been your dream.”
It was true. I had longed for this project more than anything. But I had tossed it aside—because of him. I had refused the offer, too afraid to be away from Marcus for three whole years. Now, the idea of being far away from him couldn’t come soon enough.
My fingers brushed against the fake scar adhered to my cheek. Even though the original scar had finally healed, I continued wearing this one. I wanted him to believe I was still broken, still weak. Let him think he’d succeeded in destroying me.
“I haven’t told anyone yet,” I said quickly when she proposed announcing it during dinner. “Not even Marcus.”
Her eyebrows lifted slightly. “Why keep it a secret?”
I offered a small, strained smile. “I just... don’t want people to feel sad or try to talk me out of it. I might change my mind if they do.”
She nodded slowly, seemingly satisfied with the explanation. “Alright, but at least eat dinner with us tonight. Your stepfather has something important to share.”
I agreed with a nod, though dread pooled in my stomach like cold lead. My fingers tightened around the handle of my suitcase. I wanted to speak the truth—to shout it, to finally tell her that the boy she thought of as family had been my greatest nightmare. That Marcus had orchestrated the very trauma that had haunted me for years, broken me down piece by piece, only to swoop in and pretend to rescue me.
But when I opened my mouth, different words came out.
“Mom... do you love him? Marcus' dad, I mean.”
She looked surprised by the sudden question, but her face soon softened. “Of course, sweetheart,” she said warmly. “I’ve never been happier in my life.”
Her voice radiated joy and certainty. It made my heart ache.