Two days later, Henry raked leaves near the patio when he heard Olivia’s voice behind him—sharp, controlled fury.
“You didn’t wash the dishes like I told you.”
Henry turned slightly.
Ethan stood there, small shoulders hunched, his hands trembling at his sides.
“I tried,” Ethan whispered. “The soap ran out. I asked Sophia for more—”
“I don’t care about excuses,” Olivia hissed.
Then she grabbed his arm.
Too hard.
Too rough.
Too angry.
Henry’s entire body went stiff.
He felt heat rush to his face, rage claw up his throat.
But he forced himself to remain still.
He needed undeniable evidence—something no one could refute.
Olivia tightened her grip.
“Say it,” she ordered.
“Yes—ma’am.” Ethan’s voice cracked.
She stormed off, heels clicking across the tiles.
Within seconds, Sophia rushed to Ethan’s side, pulling him into a protective hug.
“Are you hurt?” she whispered.
He shook his head, but tears brimmed.
“It’s okay,” she soothed. “You’re safe. I promise.”
Henry had to look away.
His vision blurred.
His fists clenched so tightly his nails punctured the gloves.
He had failed them.
He brought a monster into their home.
And he wouldn’t forgive himself until he removed her.
THE MOMENT THAT BROKE HIM
Day seven was the day Henry Caldwell shattered.
It was late afternoon when he heard Lily’s scared voice from the living room.
“I’m sorry—I’m sorry—”
Henry dropped the rake and sprinted quietly toward the window.
Inside, Lily stood frozen beside a puddle of spilled juice.
Olivia towered over her.
“Do you know how expensive that rug is?” Olivia snapped.
“It was an accident,” Lily whimpered.
“You’re always messing everything up. I should have sent you to boarding school like I wanted.”
Henry felt the earth tilt beneath him.
His daughter—his bright, gentle Lily—was shaking like a leaf in a storm.
Before Olivia could spit more venom, Sophia stepped between them like a shield.
“That’s enough,” she said firmly.
Olivia’s eyes widened. “You forget your place.”
“No,” Sophia replied, voice steady as stone. “I remember it every day.”
She placed a hand on Lily’s head.
“I’m the one who stays. I’m the one who listens. I’m the one who loves them.”
Lily broke down, sobbing into Sophia’s apron.
Sophia held her tight, whispering soothing words.
Olivia stormed out.
Henry pressed his forehead against the brick wall of the house, exhaling a ragged breath that sounded more like a sob.
His camera inside the gardening hat captured everything.
Everything.
Henry Caldwell was done pretending.
His house had become a battlefield.
His children were casualties.
Sophia was the lone defender.
And Olivia?
She was the enemy inside his walls.
THE NIGHT OF RECKONING
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