Chapter 9 - THE ARREST
Valerie was formally booked into the county jail late that afternoon.
Her mugshot was taken, stripping away all of her expensive makeup and arrogant pride, leaving only a terrified, pathetic woman behind bars.
The local news stations got ahold of the story by evening, broadcasting the shocking downfall of the prominent socialite.
Marcus returned to Grandpa’s house just as the sun was setting, looking like he had aged ten years in a single day.
He didn't walk in with his usual confident stride; he walked in with his head hung completely low.
He stopped a few feet away from where I was sitting on the couch and slowly dropped to his knees.
"I am so incredibly sorry," Marcus sobbed, burying his face in his hands as he kneeled on the rug.
"I was so completely focused on my career and my new wife that I didn't even look at my own daughter."
"I failed you in every single way a father possibly could."
I didn't know what to say, so I just sat there, letting the silence hang heavily in the room.
Grandpa stood in the doorway of the kitchen, watching the scene unfold without interfering.
"You should have looked closer," I finally whispered, my voice trembling.
"You should have noticed that I stopped smiling, that I stopped wearing short sleeves, that I stopped being me."
Marcus nodded vigorously, accepting every single ounce of the blame I placed on him.
"I know, I know," he cried desperately.
"I am filing for divorce tomorrow morning, and I am selling that terrible house immediately."
"I will do whatever it takes to earn your forgiveness, even if it takes the rest of my life."
I looked over at Grandpa Silas, who gave me a small, encouraging nod.
"I don't want to live with you right now," I told my father honestly.
"I want to stay here, with Grandpa, until I feel safe again."
Marcus swallowed hard, wiping his eyes as he completely accepted my terms.
May you like
"Whatever you want, sweetheart, you can stay here as long as you need," he agreed unconditionally.
It was the first time my father had actually listened to me in years.
