I sat across from Jonathan, my legal advisor, in his sterile, glass-walled office. He looked at me with concern, his usu

bout this? This is... extreme. Falsifying your death

nathan? Of my husband taking my child to be raised by his mistress? Of

him, Elinor. We could expose his infidelity, his deception. You have

How many years would I spend in court, fighting a man with unlimited resources, while he smears my name and tries to pr

concerns. He had made sure I had no financial leverage. I

person, only a vessel. He will do anything to get what he wants." My voice was quiet,

desperation there, the unyielding resolve. He knew Holde

will help you. But it will be difficult. You'll have no history,

op looking. Not for his child. So, I have to make sure there

a safe house, funds, a network. It won't be easy, especi

I said. "Just te

women escape dangerous situations. They were called "The Underground," a network of lawyers, former agents, and compassion

body ached, a deep weariness settling into my bones. Habit, that cruel mistress, guided my hands to the kitchen. I started preparing Holden's

Then, I stopped. My hands froze above the plates. He wasn't coming home to me. He wasn't coming

ky and inefficient. The food sat on the stove, warming and reheating, just as it had countles

clung to his clothes. He didn't bother to remove his wedding ring. That had stopped yea

dy," I said,

past the kitchen, heading straight for his st

epared, sat untouched. I walked to the study door,

barely above a whisper. "Th

ng. "Didn't we discuss this

e gaining strength. "You want me out of the picture. Fi

serves a purpose. My public image, the stability for Terry Inn

think I'll just hand him over to you and your mist

ved my life once. I gave you my name, my

e last shred of my composure s

pregnant." He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous gr

t through clenched teeth. "I will sign anything. Tak

t's that simple? You think I'll just let you walk away with my legacy? This ch

e my baby. The thought of Anika, with her fragile innocence and venom

him," I whispere

ing. No money, no power. You are n

the uneaten meal, the shattered illusion of our life, and the man who had loved a ghost m

r him. Now, I would act. I would di