a's

as the only a

because Vivienne decided she wants someone different in this house, and you don't have the backbone to tell h

ot like

said. "Because from where I'm sta

the check and held

ll make sure the story that comes out is not kind to you. I can tell the press you were unfaithful. I can tell them you were stealing. I can tell them anything I like, and I can make people believe it, and when it is all over you

Dorian one

me," I said. "After everything. Y

hands in

e. Find a nice place, find someone new. Just..." He exhaled. He sounded genuinely exhausted

nne's outstretched hand, and I

ction of a second, there was a flicker of surprise. She must have e

e her non

already prepared. A divorce agreement. "Sign this before anything else. I want eve

then at Dorian, who wa

put it to the paper I looked

ck. A transfer. I want it confirmed i

es narrowed.

in no pos

e to go quietly. I want a confirmed transfer. Those are my terms. I

stretched

e reached fo

phone, I put the pen to the signature line without another w

signature thoroughly. Then she set it down, an

action. I turned and wa

~

e felt longe

. I started throwing my jeans and my t-shirts into it. I changed into a hoodie and sweat

f my wedd

od taste in rings, at least. I set it on the nights

suitcase and

I had never been allowed to change and the bed where I had laid awake m

I wasn't sure who

ed dow

hands clasped, watching the bottom of the stairs. Dorian stood a step behind

hallway toward

door I

ed at

se no one is happy in a cage your mother built for them... I want you to remember standing here an

pened hi

s arm. She shook her head o

uld carry of my marriage. Dorian, with something

the fro

thed it in for a moment at the top

got in. The driver asked where I was going, and I told him the hotel near t

through the rear win

my hoodie pocket

ud of herself. I could see it in the set of her shoulders an

about what t

ars of silence

e could have written me a check ten time

only the

actually sitting in my chest as we drove through the dark was not grief. I

ugh the window. "Enjoy thinking you have won. Because t