ie

ie was finally sleeping, her breathing soft and even, thanks to the nebuli

zed. A text

re you? Why isn

. Where are you

Because your son broke her humidi

my finger trem

g immediately

His voice, usually so smooth and calming, was la

my voice shaking. "You left your daughter to die!

into his tone. "Important business. And frankly, you're being hy

"She was having an asthma attack, Julian! And you we

had to be there for Fanny. Her son was distraught over his gecko. Som

whisper. "Jodie is your daughter

send some money. Just get her home. Thi

His image. Alwa

d and steady. "It' s over. I' m di

wl. "You think you can just take my daughter, Kylie? You, a me

the phone, my heart pounding.

mile on her face. "Jodie's vitals are

of tears blurring my vision. "Tha

gaze thoughtful. "Is everything alri

l. I told her everything: Julian's narcissism, Fanny and Darryl's crue

xpression unreadable. When I finish

ional abuse and financial control. His public statement

my hands. "But he's so powerful. He cont

h facts. I can arrange for an official psychological evaluation for

ed up. "You w

o," she said, her eyes fir

nt, sparked within me. Maybe, ju

erced through the hospital lobby. "Kylie!

e past few days had taken a toll. After the hospital, Dr. Adams had helped me find a small, seclude

to materialize out of nowhere. "Kylie, darling, why are you doing this? Runnin

e her, Julian!" I retorted, my voi

ath. "She's a problem child, Kylie.

even more expensive drone, snic

er hand – a picture of our family, all smiling, with a bright yellow sun. A pa

oice low and dangerous. "She' s a sweet, loving g

for the cameras. "Kylie, please. Don't make a scene. Le

n you chose a gecko over her life, Julia

ric help, folks," he announced to the eagerly filming reporters. "My poor wife, s

ng. I saw the doubt, the judgment in their e

ed, my voice cracking. "

amor. "I can assure you, Mr. Maynard, that both Ms. Gut

eacon of hope. She stood tall,

ndent psychological evaluation." She held up the documents. "These are the official reports. They clearly state that Ms. Gutierre

sensing a shift, turned to him. The m

"Darryl, tell them! Tell them Kylie

rted to cry theatrically. "Sh

ying accusations against Jodie were fabricated. We have IP addresses, timestamps, and witness accounts that confirm Darryl Taylor was the perpetr

his charismatic facade cracking. The cam

his voice losing its smooth polish. "

unwavering. "A devoted father doesn't empty his wife's bank accounts, leaving her stranded and unable to pay

uting questions. His perfect imag

ult, Julian! You said you' d protect us!" She glared at me, her eyes fil

a cold satisfaction settling in m

t Dr. Adams, his face contorted in rag

, shielding her. Two security guards, alerted

ed, his voice hoarse with fury. "Yo

ing calm in my voice. "I do. A

ne. She looked up at me, a tiny, tentative smile on

eally going home

ling her close. "We're g

mile that reached her eyes. "Let's

ex-girlfriend behind, I knew this was just the beginning. But for the first time in a lon