“But do it transparently, and document every date.” And for the first time in years, setting a boundary felt to Marisol less like cruelty and more like simple accounting.

Chapter 10 — A Good Wife Does Not

The formal notice to vacate arrived at the house three days later, by certified mail.

Gwendolyn called within minutes of opening it.

Marisol let it go to voicemail.

The message began in fury.

“After everything I’ve done for this family, you send legal paperwork instead of speaking to me like a human being?” Then the voice cracked into theatrical tears.

“I cannot believe you would humiliate Dorian this way in front of everyone!” And it ended with the exact sentence Marisol had known was coming.