na's

y. The scent of dust, old paper, and leather

all windows was enough. I walked to the large mahogany desk and s

lated books and scattered desi

n my mind. Xavier's promises at the altar. My decision to give up my car

ne, his voice impatient. "Serena, be reasonable," he'd said. "Savannah ne

orate the entire house for her party. Xavier had returned from a European vacati

e just cares deeply for his family. I had conv

er part of his "family." I was just a co

r engine in the driveway broke the silence. Then, the fron

ed to the top of the stairs, ready to welcome t

e, you were amazing! The trophy is so shiny! You're so much more

f an invisible hand had squeezed it shut. This was

ocence. "Mia, don't say that about your mother. She's done so much for t

not your fault, Savannah. You earned this.

flooded the downstairs. The h

ct picture of a happy family. I was the dar

tantly. "Serena? What are you doing standing h

concerned. It

so sorry, we're back so late. Are you angry? I didn't know today was..." S

s no guilt in her eyes, only a flicker of annoyanc

y Xavier instinctively shielded Savannah

just pulled the corners of my mouth int

on them without a word, and

, Serena!" Xavier's voice, sha

r. The click of the bolt was the most

rise in a wail. "Daddy, Mommy is scary... I

untie was

ey found my heart, twisted, and then

down until I was sitting on the cold floo

ed my face, stood up, and

ed glow, I pulled a single, clean sheet of A4 p

he page, I wrote three words, my hand

E AGRE

, irrevocable line under the f