ss for the umpteenth time before

40

errified about

mily. They were glamorously dressed and there I was, clothed like a commoner and being made an object of gossip. Everyone i

ath. My heart felt like it was about to be ejected from my c

day. Prepare Matthew's breakfast engage in mindless chatter with him at

d the living day life out of me now, even though they were once exciting to me few weeks ago. Time does change a lot of things. I stayed silent and k

out the door with a wink. The look

ected him to reach for me last night, and when he did, I had to

routine and was on my way to t

as M

heard from you in weeks." I teased

insane and of course I've been digging

y pulse

ad, Sierra. W

hitting me in different directions wit

ht. Br

meet at our

***

e soothing aroma of croissants and latte tempted my nostrils as I waited for Maria, but I could barely stomach anything all day. I lifted the cup of latte when I sighted

ly as she settled in after w

in anticipation as she pulled a thick brown env

, property deeds, and the Wellington family business registry. Eveything. Sierra, there's not a cent in your name.

e called them joint ownership agreements and said it was family protocol. B

g waivers. A friend drew up the contracts and I reviewed them. They were deceptively worded to make you sign off your

ude my name in the family trust. And I believed him..." For a moment the world around me

enny in

ce echoed

erve this, Sie

be a faithful husband. I was naïve enough to have believed him when he promised me security, said I

, raw and unfiltered, spilling into the quiet hum of the café. Maria reached

I struggled to ask the quest

Marital claim. Settlement. Absolutely nothing. And knowing Matthew, any attempt to file

water. Gripping her shoulder, albeit more tightly my eyes reddened. The

ts of myself that still knew how to fight. Maria's eyes searc

oman I know. You'll be fine. I'm right by your side and we both kno

re lethal" I responded as I clutche

an? We're in this

ip of what my next step shoul

a brow. "

someone who hates Matthew as much as I do. The only

etched, her hes

the storm rising insi