Chapter 1
My husband Noel Seyfertt left my paralyzed mom home alone to go on a trip with Brianna Bridgers–his childhood friend and Mom’s nurse. My mom begged her son–in–law for help, but he just ignored her.
When I came back from a business trip, I found out Mom was gone. A heart attack had taken her while she was all alone. I Was gri
and furious when I called
Noel.
But he didn’t even sound sorry–just annoyed. “I was only gone for a few days. with Rian! Are you serious right now? Your mom’s been lying in bed for two years and didn’t die! But now that we’re not home, all of a sudden, you’re saying she’s dead?!”
That was it for me. I wanted nothing more than a divorce. And suddenly, he was sorry.
The day after Mom’s funeral, Noel came
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back–with Brianna.
I went to Mom’s room to pack her things. and just as I opened the door, I heard a startled gasp, followed by the sound of someone scrambling to their feet.
There my husband was, standing awkwardly in the living. On the couch behind him were scattered pieces of lingerie and their half–unpacked luggage.
Brianna scrambled to cover herself, her cheeks turning bright red. “N–Nellie, I–I had a sore shoulder, so I asked Noel to give me a massage. Don’t… don’t get the wrong idea, okay?”
Her words were innocent enough, but the way she casually tucked her hair behind her ear revealed something shiny on her
wrist.
I couldn’t be wrong. It was Mom’s wristwatch! The one she never took off)
Suddenly, the image of Mom’s struggling face flashed in my mind. Right at that
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moment, fury erupted in my chest as I lunged forward, grabbing Brianna’s wrist and screaming, “This is Mom’s wristwatch! Why are you wearing it? What did you do to her?!”
She screamed and tried to pull away, clinging to Noel like a kid. “Noel, help me!”
“Cornelia! What the fuck are you doing?! Let her go!” Noel shouted as he grabbed my arm, trying to pull me back.
But I wouldn’t let go.
Suddenly, he grabbed a fistful of my hair and yanked me away, shoving me so hard that I crashed onto the table. He yelled, “You’re insane! Get the hell out of here!”
My head hit the corner, making my vision. blur. I reached out, managing to grab Brianna’s leg. But she kicked me away, crying, “I’m sorry, Nellie! I shouldn’t have gone on the trip with Noel! Please, don’t scare me like this again!”
“Cornelia! Stop this nonsense!” Noel
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snapped. “I only took Rian on that trip because I made a promise! She’s been taking care of your mom for so long–she deserved a break! Don’t act like you’re the victim here. If you go crazy like this again, you better take your mom out of my
house!”
Blood ran down my face, mixing with my tears, but I refused to give in. I was trembling as I tried to get up, whispering, “Give it back… That’s Mom’s wristwatch…
Give it back to me…”
“You’re not listening to me!” Noel ripped the watch off Brianna’s wrist and held it high in the air. His eyes burned with rage as he spat, “You better apologize to Rian, or I’ll smash this fucking wristwatch!”
“Noel, don’t.” Brianna clung to his arm, but her eyes glinted with something cruel. Then, with a soft, pitiful voice, she said, “Nellie didn’t mean it. I know she just misunderstood me. But I don’t really mind as long as you guys aren’t fighting.”
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“Rian, you’re too kind,” Noel said, pulling her closer. “That’s why she keeps doing this to you. You worked so hard taking care of her mom, and she doesn’t even appreciate it. Now she’s attacking you over some
stupid watch? No, this time she’s going to learn her lesson!”
He glared down at me, disgust written all over his face. “Listen, Cordelia, this is your last chance. Say you’re sorry, or I’ll smash this stupid wristwatch into pieces!”
I could barely breathe. My chest felt tight, and my ears buzzed like I was underwater. Humiliated and broken, I forced the words – out of my mouth. “B–Brianna, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that to you. Please… forgive me.”
