I didn't take the limo. I hailed a taxi at the corner.
“Where to, ma’am?”
“Miller Estate,” I said.
The house was silent. It felt like a tomb I was finally escaping.
My suitcase was already packed, hidden in the back of the closet. I changed out of my gown into comfortable jeans and a sweater. I took off the diamond earrings Brandon had given me for my birthday. I took off the wedding ring.
I placed the ring on the nightstand, right next to a small, velvet box.
Inside the box wasn't jewelry. It was a USB drive. It contained every photo I had taken of them, every text message I had synced from his cloud, and the audio recording of them plotting to use me for the inheritance… and also killing my baby.
Happy Anniversary, Brandon.
I grabbed my suitcase and walked out.
I was in the taxi, watching the city lights blur past on the highway, when my phone rang.
Hubby Brandon.
I stared at the screen for a moment before answering.
“Maureen?” Brandon’s voice was breathless. He sounded stressed. “Where are you? I turned around and you were gone.”
“I’m sorry, Brandon,” I said, injecting a note of frailty into my voice. “I… I got a headache. The noise, the lights… it was too much. I felt dizzy. And I felt guilty because I caused them to fight.”
“Oh,” he exhaled, the anger draining out of his voice, replaced by the familiar condescension. “You should have told me. I would have driven you home.”
“I didn't want to ruin your night. You were busy with Kyle and Denise.”
“Yeah, well, that’s sorted,” he muttered. “Look, I’m sorry I snapped at you earlier. I was just stressed. You know how Kyle is.”
“I know. It’s okay.”
“Are you at home?” he asked. “I’m leaving now. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
My heart skipped a beat. I looked at the sign passing by. International Departures - 5 Miles.
“Actually, no,” I said. “Jessica called. You know, my friend who’s going through the divorce? She’s having a breakdown. She needs me tonight.”
“Tonight?” Brandon groaned. “Maureen, it’s late. And you’re not feeling well.”
“I have to go, Brandon. She has no one else. I’m already in the cab to her place.”
“Fine,” he sighed, clearly annoyed but trying to hide it. “When will you be back?”
“Soon,” I said. “Don’t worry. I’ll be back before you know it.”
“Okay. Call me when you get there.”
“I will,” I promised. “Oh, and Brandon?”
“Yeah?”