Chapter 42.

STACY.

An hour later, I'm packing my bags in the silence of my house as I’m still replaying Jason's words in my mind.

I hate him more for how he has manipulated me to go back into his territory, where he’ll have full access to me whenever he wants.

Again, why is he doing this?

He has Nicole. She’s the one in his bed every night, not me. So why go through all these lengths?

Does he want me to be his side piece like she was before he divorced me?

I toss another set of clothes into my bag, zipping it up with a frustrated tug…

No, I won't allow him to win. He is my past and not my future.

I sit on the edge of my bed, when suddenly Liam’s innocent question from earlier lingers in my mind. He thinks I’m leaving to bring his father back—like I promised.

How do I tell a 5 year old that I can never allow his daddy back into his life again for what he did us?

A soft knock on the front door breaks my chain of thoughts. My brow furrows—who would visit at this hour? I take a