Unchained From A Toxic Marriage

streets, each red light a painful delay. My mother. Her fragile life, now hanging by the thinnest of threads. It was my faul

ils. My mother lay on the bed, a pale, frail shadow beneath a tangle of wires and

tears, as I gently touched her hand, cool and

d, her voice barely audible. "Don't... don't fight them anymore. It's not worth it, darling." Her words, a selfless plea even in her dying moment

r with stories, making her laugh. He had been a loving son-in-law, or at least, he' d played the part beautifully. He had even set up a private fund for her medical

Anderson, we need to discuss your mother's outstanding medical bill

t just cut my access. He had cut off my mother's life support, finan

y with Jazmyne, a picture of domestic bliss. "Donavon!" I screamed, my voice raw wit

ttacks? Jazmyne has been getting nasty messages all day, accusing her of being a 'homewrecker' and a

ible, Donavon. People are saying the most awful things. And now, this, from her. It's jus

is eyes blazing. "Look what you've done, Ava! Making Jaz

bubbling up. "I'm the monster? You are let

. For your malicious online campaign. And for disturbing our peace." He was asking m

ile. "You want me to apologize to her? For your betrayal? For the fact that you're killing my mother?" My voi

e shock crossed his face, a momentary crack in his carefully con

on, no! Don't listen to her. She's just lashing out because she's upset. You two belong together! Don't let her destroy

had gathered at a discreet distance, burned into me. They saw m

urance, then turned his hardened gaze back to me. "A legal separation, Ava? What's

my voice raw. "She has days, maybe hours! And

a public statement. Acknowledge your online harassment of Jazmyne. Apologize for your past erratic behavior. And you will

e to cherish you, to protect you, to love you in sickness and in health." Lies

verriding every shred of dignity I had left. What was my pride compared to her life? "I... I'll

s. Anderson should wear that hideous dress she wore to the charity gala. The one that made her look so... desperate. A

. Yes, Ava. That ghastly emerald green dress. And make sure those te

ad loved, the man I had fought for, was capable of su

gh the noise. "Mrs. Anderson, your mother's condition has worsened. We're losing her. We need to perfo

a?" he said, his voice a chilling whisper. "Your mother