Hodg

. It was the only word I could utter, the only path I could see. My heart, once so full of a fragile,

is perfect facade. The day after my discovery, a text message arrived from him

repair. But Clay didn't see it that way. To him, this was

"I've arranged a family meeting, Danae. Just to

, as a relapse, another episode of my "mental instability." I knew it, just as I knew the sun would rise. He was

disapproval. My mother, Dianne, fidgeted beside her, her eyes darting nervously between me and Clay. My father sat opposite them, h

eryone is just worried about you. You've been through so muc

After everything Clay has done for you, standing by you through your... di

in a placating gesture, but his eyes held

provides for you. What would you do without him? Where would you go? Your father and I... we can't affo

have a good life here. A stable life. Don't throw it away over some silly misunderstanding

een my refuge, my anchor, were just another arm of his control. They weren't

laced with a steel I didn't know I possessed. "Clay cheated on me. W

ant nothing. You were struggling, and I... I was lost. But I chose you. I always choose you." He turned to our families.

es mistakes, Danae. But he's here, he's begging for your forgive

d to name our children after her, Bertha. 'Charis' and 'Donny.'

his right. I want to explain everything." He pulled out his phone. "Here, I'll even call Charity right now. She'

urned. No. No

ty's voice, smooth and confident, filled the room. "Clay, baby? W

e. Clay's face went ashen, his eyes wide with panic as

Still clinging on, huh? Honestly, Danae, just let him go. You're yesterday's news. He nev

s and Bertha's sentiments, but from her, they were poison. "You manipulative bitch!" I scream

enomous. "Oh, she found her voice. Good for you, Danae.

ard, had connected with my cheek. The sound was a loud, sickening crack in the stunned silence of the room. My he

y blooming redness. Clay had slapped me. In front of everyone. The man who had vowed

ngers, falling silently to the plush carpet. My vision swam, not from the physical blow, but from the rea