“I asked a professional to look into things because I love my son.”
“You’ve hated me since the day we met.”
“Elena.” Marcus’s voice cut across the table. “Stop.”
I put my palms flat on the wood to keep my hands from shaking. “Ask me anything. Ask me about the accounts. Ask for my phone. I’ll show you every message I’ve sent since I was 19.”
“The evidence is right here.”
“Evidence can be made. Marcus, please. Please. You know me.”
He looked at me for a long moment. And I watched the man I loved decide.
“I don’t know who you are anymore.”
The words did not land all at once. They arrived in pieces, the way a plate breaks in slow motion on a tile floor.
“Marcus, no. Please.”
“I’ve been sitting here for two hours. I’ve read all of it.”
“Read it again with me. Let me explain each page.”
Diane’s hand tightened over his.
“He doesn’t owe you a rebuttal, Elena.”
“I am not talking to you.” My voice cracked. “Marcus. Look at me. I have never lied to you. Not once. Not about anything.”
