Chapter 2
Daniel’s smug expression flickered, replaced by a momentary flash of confusion before arrogance settled back over his features.
“The police?” Daniel scoffed, waving a hand dismissively as he poured himself another glass of wine. “Go ahead, call them. Tell them your husband disciplined you for ruining dinner. See who they laugh at.”
Vivian nodded approvingly, her posture rigid with unearned entitlement. “Yes, call the authorities, Elena. Let them see what kind of ungrateful, rebellious wife you are. They’ll probably escort you out themselves for disturbing the peace.”
I didn’t argue with them. I didn’t raise my voice or throw a tantrum. Three years of enduring their psychological warfare had forged an ice-cold armor around my heart. When the dispatcher answered, I gave my address clearly, reported an active domestic assault, and stated that an unwanted trespasser was refusing to leave my private property.
“Officers will be at your location within ten minutes, ma’am. Please stay safe,” the dispatcher instructed.
I hung up and placed the phone flat on the table, right next to the bowl of unsalted soup.
“Ten minutes,” I said calmly.
Daniel crossed his arms, leaning against the edge of the dining table. “You really love playing the drama queen, don’t you? Ten minutes from now, you’re going to look like a complete fool. When the cops get here, I’ll tell them you slipped on the kitchen floor. They won't believe a word a hysterical woman says.”
Vivian chuckled, nodding in agreement. “Daniel is a respected man in this city. Well, he will be once his business takes off. They aren’t going to arrest my son over a hysterical outburst from a tired employee.”
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Minutes ticked by in heavy, tense silence. I walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows, watching the distant headlights of the city blur in the evening rain. I felt no fear. Only a quiet, burning resolve. This was the exact night my old life ended, and their nightmare began.
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