sa Va

gaze fixed on the empty space where Eli had stood moments before. My mind was a whirlwin

ildren and family now lying in tatters. I had endured his family's incessant prodding, their thinly veiled insults about my "barren" state, all while Eli, my su

something new-cold, sharp, and utterly determined-stirred within me. I needed to act,

tone was clipped, demanding.

e sounding strangely hollow to

ng the same old pattern: Jonte, his reckless younger brother, causing trouble, and Kala, his 'fragile' si

ke always," I stated, not a que

were a backhanded compliment, or perhaps, in his mind, a justification. Not

en waited for my response, hadn't noticed the seismic shift that had just occurred wi

A text from Eli: "Find me. Don't leav

ecing together fragments of the past. The relentless scrutiny from Elyssa about my childlessness, Eli's evasiveness,

y from Kala. Kala, the fragile sister-in-law, who was married to his irresponsible brother Jonte. Kala, who was the real object of h

wild bird at heart, Carissa. He found his freedom." Kala had offered a saccharine "I'm so sorry, dear," while her eyes had glittered with something I now recognised as

re, but her eyes had held a strange, almost triumphant glint as the paramedics worked on me. Eli had been furious at the damage to the property, but his anger had been directed at the "negligence" of the staff, not

to "clear my name," but not before letting me face the public humiliation, the accusations. He had used my wild reputation as a smokescreen, making it easy for the public to believe

truth cutting deeper than the last. He believed I was strong enough to take it. He believed I

ted fury. My love for him had turned to venom, a potent cocktail of hatred and an unyielding desire for justice. He ha

e was a powerful LA business magnate, emotionally distant, but fiercely protective of his own

rmoil raging within me. "I need your help. I want a divo

now?" His voice was laced with a familiar exasperation, but underneath it, I detected a spark

o a dangerous whisper. "He's done everyth

old money, old power. This won't be easy," he caut

g he holds dear," I stated, the words pouring out with a chilling conviction. "And if you d

He knew the fire that burned within me, the same fire he himself possess

aid, his voice grim. "Tell me ev

getting started, Dad. He thought I was a def