Chapter 2 - The Mask Slips
"You're not going anywhere," Marcus said, taking a step toward me. His tone dropped an octave, hitting that dangerous, commanding register he reserved for behind closed doors.
Before his foot could touch the linoleum, Claire was between us.
"Take another step," Claire whispered, her eyes locked onto his. "I dare you. I have 911 dialed on my screen, my thumb hovering over the call button. I will have the police pull you out of this house in your boxers, in front of all the neighbors you try so hard to impress. Do it."
Marcus stopped. He looked at Claire, then at me, realizing for the first time in our six-year marriage that he had lost control of the narrative.
"Lily, go to the car with Aunt Claire," I said softly, handing my bewildered six-year-old the keys. Claire escorted her out the back door, keeping her body positioned between Marcus and my daughter the entire time.
Once the door clicked shut, we were alone.
"You're making a massive mistake," Marcus sneered, his handsome face twisting into something ugly. "You walk out that door, you get nothing. I'll take the house. I'll take full custody. You're unhinged, and I'll make sure a judge knows it."
I looked at the man I had promised to love forever. I saw the manipulation. I saw the fear masquerading as anger. For the first time, I didn't shrink.
May you like
"Take the house, Marcus," I said, my voice shockingly steady. "But if you ever come near me or Lily again, I will burn your perfect reputation to the ground."
I turned my back on him and walked out into the freezing Michigan morning.
