When I come back, I’ll be a Senior Vice President.”

The fork slipped from my hand and clattered against the plate. Four years — and he hadn’t said a single word to me beforehand.

“You’re moving to London for four years?” I asked, forcing my voice to work. “Why would you not discuss a decision like that with me first?”

He reached across the table and folded my hand in his, his eyes swimming with a guilt that didn’t reach the back of them. “Stella, honey, forgive me. It happened fast — the CEO pulled me aside and wanted an answer on the spot.

I’m doing this for us. When I get back, we can finally buy that estate in the suburbs.”

Hearing that her golden boy was going overseas, Shirley lit up with pride and clapped her hands. “Oh, what glorious news! Go, son, and don’t worry about a thing — Stella will take care of the household.”

Walter raised his glass in a sloppy salute. “A real man conquers the world. You have our full support.”

Everett squeezed my fingers — his palm was clammy and cold — and then he sprang the trap.

“Sweetheart, I’ll be thousands of miles away, and I can’t stand the thought of you being lonely,” he said softly. “And I can’t leave my aging parents alone out there.

So they’ll live here with you for the four years. You’ll have company, they can help around the house, and you can look after their health. I know you won’t let me down.”

Chapter 3 — The Trap Springs

His words closed around my throat like wire. If I refused, I was the selfish career woman abandoning her vulnerable in-laws. If I agreed, I was signing up for four years under a mother-in-law famous for her cruelty.

Shirley was already studying my crown molding as if she owned it.