Chapter 4: The Truth Behind Closed Doors
Chapter 4: The Truth Behind Closed Doors
The house was dark when I returned.
Victoria sat in the living room with another glass of Cabernet, watching television as though nothing had happened.
She smiled when she saw me.
"You're late."
I stared at her.
"Where's Emily?"
"She quit."
"Really?"
Victoria shrugged.
"Some people just can't handle responsibility."
I placed the bloodstained strips of linen on the coffee table.
Her smile disappeared.
"You forgot these."
For the first time, I saw genuine fear flicker across her face.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Then explain the fingerprints around her neck."
Silence.
"The broken nursery."
Silence.
"The blood."
She stood abruptly.
"She attacked me."
I laughed.
A short, bitter laugh.
"Enough."
"I know everything."
"No, you don't."
"I know she begged to see her dying son."
"I know you tied her to a bed."
"I know you've been abusing her for months."
Victoria's face hardened.
"You always liked her."
"There it is."
The jealousy.
The obsession.
"You chose her over me."
"I chose decency."
She slammed her wineglass onto the table.
"It was never about Emily!"
She was shaking now.
"It was about you."
"I gave up my career."
"I gave you children."
"I built this perfect life."
"And every time you thanked her..."
"You looked happier."
The room fell silent.
I finally understood.
None of this had been about love.
It had been about control.
Victoria believed affection was something to own.
Anyone who received it became a threat.
I quietly removed my wedding ring.
Placed it beside the shattered wineglass.
Then I spoke the calmest words I'd ever said.
"Our marriage is over."
Minutes later, police officers entered the house with a warrant.
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This time...
Victoria had nowhere left to hide.
