Chapter 6 - Come Here, Sweetheart
Ethan pointed at Sarah.
“Get out.”
Sarah did not move.
“Maya is the property owner. Only she can ask me to leave.”
Every face turned toward Maya.
For years, decisions had been made around her, over her, and supposedly for her.
Now the room waited for her voice.
Her red hands hung at her sides.
Grace held out one hand.
“Come here, sweetheart.”
Maya looked at Ethan.
He stared back with the expression he used whenever he expected obedience.
“You’re really going to embarrass me in front of my mother?”
Maya’s shoulders shifted.
The movement was small, but Grace saw something return to them.
“She watched you embarrass me every day.”
Maya crossed the kitchen.
Grace wrapped her coat around her daughter’s wet shoulders.
Ethan stepped forward.
Sarah raised her phone.
“Do not approach her.”
He stopped.
Maya looked toward the dining room.
“That china belonged to my grandmother.”
Beatrice scoffed.
“You’re worried about plates now?”
“No.”
Maya met her eyes.
“I’m realizing how much of my life you used while telling me I had earned nothing.”
She turned toward Ethan.
“You need to leave.”
He laughed.
“You can’t throw out your husband.”
Sarah answered.
“Maya can revoke permission for guests. Your residential rights will be addressed through the proper legal process. For tonight, police can supervise a voluntary separation if she feels unsafe.”
Grace had already called for assistance.
A patrol car arrived six minutes later.
May you like
Ethan spent those minutes telling Maya she would regret humiliating him.
This time, she did not apologize.
