Chapter 2: The Truth in the Walls
At the hospital, Lily barely spoke.
The doctor checked her blood pressure, her temperature, the baby’s heartbeat.
Then his face hardened.
“Has she been under severe stress?”
I answered before Lily could protect anyone.
“Yes.”
The doctor looked at her hands.
“Prolonged exposure to cold water. Exhaustion. Malnutrition signs. She needs rest immediately.”
The word malnutrition hit me like a punch.
I turned to Lily.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
Her eyes filled with tears.
“Because she said you’d choose family.”
I could not breathe for a second.
My aunt had raised me after my parents died. She knew exactly where my loyalty lived.
And she had used it like a weapon.
When we returned home the next morning, Gloria was waiting in the living room as if she owned the place.
A suitcase stood beside her.
For one foolish second, I thought she had packed.
Then I realized it was Lily’s suitcase.
Gloria smiled.
“I made this easy. She can leave before this becomes uglier.”
Lily’s hand tightened around mine.
I stepped forward.
“You packed my wife’s suitcase?”
Gloria shrugged. “She has divided this family long enough.”
I laughed once.
Cold and humorless.
“This is my house.”
Gloria’s smile faded.
“And she is my wife.”
I picked up the suitcase, carried it upstairs, and placed it back in our bedroom.
Then I came down and opened the front door.
Gloria stared at me.
May you like
I said one sentence.
“Your turn.”
