Newma

from h

ighest order. No one, ever, spoke to me like that. I wa

ond. But the dull, throbbing ache in my chest-the physical manifestation of her rejection-reminded me that my hold on her was slipping. One

to cry. Silent, perfect te

voice breaking. "I didn't mean to c

race. I reacted on pure instinct, m

my glare fixed on Ciara. "She is my gu

impossibly level. "She sta

e, "we need to discuss the terms of my departure. I want you t

ensa

eva and I stared at her, dumbfounded. I had expected begging,

nd dollars,"

was a slap in the face. It wasn't a de

g ceremony dress," she clarified, her tone mocking. "Three thousa

r life together had been worth to her. My pride, my very essence as a

voice cracking with a rage I couldn't contain, ignoring

finally rising with a spark of heat. "A cage you can throw me i

their mark. I

e swayed on her feet, one hand flyin

wide with panic. "My phone...

nt, my own phone b

he screen read: 'P

e escalating into a sob. "Oh, Goddes

ing. The daycare director's voice w

eva, my voice tight. "He hit his head

th sobs. "Darius, please," she begged, clinging

g the entire performance with a de

the gaping, bleeding wound C

sibili

said to Ciara, my voice a low command

around Geneva's trembling shoulders and guided her o

she turned and walked calmly up the stairs to our bedroom. She pulled her s

ief on her face