na's

n't go downstairs to the kitchen t

edroom-my clothes, my skincare, my books-into suitcases, while Xavier slept. I looked

and locked the door from the inside.

tirely. The early morning New York air was crisp. I ran along the path in Central Park, feeling the sweat wash away t

made exactly one

She saw me and called out by habit, "

n, all household matters, including your breakfast, are your father's

disbelief. "Why? Mommy, are yo

picked up my purse and

She ran over to grab my hand,

rs old. You should learn to solve your own p

walked out th

th no Savannah there to comfort her. A pang of pity shot through me, but it wa

t district, a neighborhood filled with galleries and

g, good light, high security, long-term lease. Most i

agent looked hesitant, his eyes scanning my simple workout attire with a hint o

and placed it on his desk. "Rent is not an issue. I can sign

. His attitude changed completely. He immediately found the perfect listing: a long

ot as "Ms. M." The entire pr

ss I had built for my freedom. I stood in the empty space, sunlight flood

d my "Heartbreak Countdown" memo.

's morning

ating the facts. And facts, I was learn

u, the housekeeper. I declined

fairs of the Harrington house

ad just emptied, my husband was about to w

silence is the last gi