“And you’re trespassing,” Derek replies cooly, taking large steps as he approaches my idiot husband. “What are you doing with my wife, you big brute?” I groan at his attempt of insults, but I’ve learned that Derek is nothing if not the most intelligent man in the room. He’s always five
“Sorry about that,” I murmur as my hand finds my chest. I’m breathing heavily, and I’m starting to worry I’m going to have a full-blown panic attack. Derek puts his hand on my arm, looking down into my eyes. “Nothing to be sorry about, Esme.” “He was following me and came here to antagonize me.
But does that mean anything will change? “I lied to my lawyer,” I say. It’s so fast that for just a second, I question whether or not I actually said it or just imagined it. “What did you lie about?” He takes another step forward to give me some assurance. I look at the girls and then back at
A few days later while at work, Derek calls me into his office. I don’t think twice about it, but when I hear what he wants us to do, I can’t help but drop my jaw. “A project with you?” “As partners. Not as your boss.” “Is that a thing?” “I do projects with others all the time. This time, I’
I scoff and roll my eyes. “What kind of company is that? One who hires men that assault other people? They did do that!” “I thought this would be simple, and I’m sorry, Esme. I want this to be open and shut. I know money can’t fix what he did, but compensation for your emotional trauma should neve
“I don’t know how many years it has been, but I do know that it has been far too long, and I have no sufficient evidence,” I admit with a deep sigh. Derek only watches me, no words, no movements. “My mother might disown me. The rest of my family doesn’t even know a thing. It’s been…I have no clu
“I told you that my marriage ending was astronomically difficult. The girls are still young but holding them when their nightmares culminate into memories of our yelling at one another puts into perspective just how much they see us breaking down.” “I don’t think I can do any of this,” I admit.
“I’ve never been over here before,” I tell Derek as we enter the daycare. Bea and Tris run off to join their teacher and classmates, bringing a smile to my lips as I watch. “Well, last I checked you don’t have a kid to put into daycare,” he shoots back with a teasing tone in his voice. “I meant
For once in our friendship, my friends don’t pressure me to open up with them. They just protect me. I’m not used to such behavior from my sarcastic, goofy friends. It’s nice, because ever since I left Ryan I’ve felt as if the entire world has demanded answers, even if I’m not ready. It’s not unti
Annie and Lily come over for the first time in a while. It feels so nice to be surrounded with my girls, and their hugs when first arriving feel like something I’ve deprived myself of. “I wish you’d find out the gender,” Annie groans as she stretches herself out on the sofa. “I want to know if I’m
“That’s not—” “You don’t treat me like an underling.” “You’re not one!” “Yes, I am! I’m supposed to be under you! This isn’t a debate that we should be having. We’ve been pushing the envelope on what’s appropriate and what’s not. In the end, we have blurred any lines we had the day I left my h
“And I’ll have those numbers determined once the remainder of the information comes in,” I say into my work phone. “Don’t worry, I know everything is a mess right now but it’s an easy fix.” I sigh and look up, startled to see Derek standing at my open office door. He looks serious and also worried
Bea shoves the item in her hands at me. I take it softly, looking down at what she had. A picture of a beautiful redhead with a bright smile stare back at me. I see two small girls surrounding her. Bea can’t be more than three, and the baby wrapped in blankets held by the woman must be Tris. “Is t
“No. I called you. I couldn’t think of anything else.” I nod. “Call the front desk, security, any friends you might have in the building or complex altogether. Have the pool on lookout, and anywhere else she might feel she can hide.” “Okay,” Derek says, nodding but still clearly distraught. I
My phone starts ringing as I leave the restaurant I’ve just eaten at. Daniel and I had a meeting today to talk about the restraining order and other paperwork. Not only that, but now Daniel knows about Natalie’s claims, as well as our suit against Max. “I really wish I didn’t have these other pr
“Uh, there’s a difference?” He seems more confused than when he walked in now. “Cause I’m just worried about not being able to answer all her questions.” “Well,” I think. “They’ll be showing that health class video soon. Most girls don’t actually hit puberty and get their periods until middle scho
It’s around eight when I hear knocking on my door. I’ve been getting stuff done and cleaning the apartment. But the baby? That has been causing some issues. Even wearing better shoes and making sure I’m taking care of my health and stress; I’m still not having an easy time. And this is still the