The Price of Control

d in the room besides the hum of the medical equipment. Guilt twisted in my gut. I had been so caught up in my own perfect life in the city

the doorway, his expensive suit immaculate despite the pouring rain outside. He looked a

I asked, my voice barely

efore landing on my mother. "How is she?" he asked

but my anger gave me a strength I didn' t know I had. I saw him flinch, a flicker of surprise in

the smooth, persuasive tone he always used when he wanted som

my voice sharp. "After you celebrated destroying my

ou' re being emotional. The project wasn' t working under yo

stifying his betrayal as a business decision. The love we had, the life we buil

I asked, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

ade finally cracking. "Chloe understands what it take

my love and trust were liabilities. The last embers of hope that this was all a ter

mbling with suppressed fury. "I filed fo

ere. The vineyard was calling to me, a quiet promise of escape and, perhaps, a chance to heal. I would