ManyWriters

I had just entered the house, clutching the pregnancy report I'd spent five years working towards, when I caught sight of my husband guiding his young female assistant into the nursery.
Holly Winter wrung her hands, bowed her head, and began to weep, intentionally showing the red marks on her neck.
"Alex, I have nowhere to go. Please allow Mr. Thornton to take me in," she begged.
Darrell Thornton grasped her hand, his voice sharp and defensive as he addressed me.
"She's the promising student you supported. She's freshly graduated and can't afford rent. You're a mature woman—don't make a big deal out of helping a young girl."
He gave me a cold look.
"Moreover, you're unable to bear children. We have plenty of spare rooms. What's the harm in letting her stay temporarily?"
I watched silently as he transformed the nursery we had prepared into her bedroom.
With a deep sigh, I made a phone call.
"Mom, is it too late for me to accept your previous conditions and return home?"

Nursery Becomes Mistress's Bedroom

Darrell was about to continue when his mother interrupted him sharply, "There's no confusion here. I did tell other companies to reject their deals. It's because my daughter is far more valuable than you."


Darrell's face changed dramatically as he noticed me descending the stairs to get some water.


"Alex! You're here! I've been searching everywhere for you! Please, just listen to me."


He moved forward quickly, his voice filled with desperation. "I messed up last time. I lost control of my temper and said things I didn't mean. I wasn't thinking clearly. Let's not involve lawyers, okay? I'll make everything right—I'll dismiss Holly as soon as I get back! No, scratch that—I'll fire her this instant! She means nothing to me now. Alex, please say something."


He left Holly shaking behind him and approached me, begging like a remorseful puppy seeking forgiveness.


12#12