6
443words
Breathless. Urgent.
"Emily. We need to talk."
I agreed instantly.
"Fine. Let's talk."
Time to collect what was mine.
Michael drove me to the apartment.
Lucas froze when he saw us.
"What is—"
I gave Michael a look. He left.
Lucas watched me, eyes dark.
"Emily, what was that? We haven't broken up."
"Oversight. Consider us broken up. Now."
Lucas blinked. His expression hardened.
"First things first. That research grant in college? It was you?"
"Who else? Santa Claus?"
The time-stamped bank transfers in my evidence were clear.
"Emily..." Lucas looked conflicted. "Why didn't you tell me? I thought... it was from Vivian."
I laughed. Harsh.
"Just the money? What about the high school study guides? Thought those were from Vivian too? The breakfasts I left? The water bottles I bought? How much of the truth did you everknow?"
"Emily, listen. I stayed close to Vivian all these years because I thought... I believed she was the one who did all that back then... the notes, the food... the money... The engagement? It was just... gratitude..."
"Enough, Lucas!" My voice was steady. "Are you truly that clueless? Or just willfully blind? When I emailed you those college notes? Vivian had already transferred schools! How would she know our syllabus?"
"And the research support? Forget the money! What about the years I spent supporting you? Did that mean nothing? Didn't thatdeserve gratitude? Lucas?"
"Five years living together! Five hundred bucks a month rent! That's thirty grand! Doesn't thatcount?"
The words poured out. Lucas stood frozen. Speechless.
I understood. For ten years, I'd been pliant. Agreeable.
I'd never once threatened to leave. No matter how bad the fight.
Now? I regretted it. My unconditional love had made him take me for granted.
I held out my hand. "Forget the rest. Give me the money."
"Emily—"
A loud banging cut him off. Angry shouts.
I knew. The Campbells.
The door flew open before Lucas could react.
"Emily! You little slut! Slandering our Vivian online! Today you pay!"
The Campbell women looked feral. Ready to tear me apart.
Memories of their violence flooded back. I flinched.
Lucas stepped forward. His voice cracked like a whip.
"Who told you to come here?!"
But his past indulgence gave them courage. They shoved past him.
"Stay out of this, son-in-law! This is between us and that homewrecking whore!"
I burst out laughing.
Son-in-law? They called him son-in-law?
Lucas had never intended to marry me.
Had he laughed, seeing me plan our future?
Had I just been the ultimate fool?
Lucas must have thought the same. His face darkened. He turned on them.
