Page 63 of Love Her

As the thought of him being horrified at my appearance hits me, I notice the first time how much he’s aged. He looks exhausted and unhealthy. Stressed. Michael has never believed he was human like the rest of us. Maybe it’s all finally caught up with him.

“I need to see Clementine.”

He cannot be serious. There is no way I’ve heard him correctly. I note he didn’t say he wants to see the children. No, it’s a need. And it isn’t both children, only Clem.

“What do you mean? Need to see her?”

“It isn’t important. I’m her father and I need to see her. Take her on a trip with me.”

All of the true crime podcasts I’ve listened to have prepared me for many things. What items to have on hand for my family and friends should I disappear. Where to punch someone if attacked. And to spot a shady bastard trying to coerce a woman or child into an illegal, and potentially dangerous, situation.

“No.”

His jaw clenches, the vein on the side of his neck pulsing as he stares at me. Michael isn’t one to make a scene so I feel a sense of comfort knowing I can stand up to him. Hold my ground and he won’t make an issue of it.

“It is not up for discussion, Felicity. I need to take her with me on a trip. There are things happening you don’t understand.”

“Enlighten me then. Why do you suddenly, after three years, need to see our daughter? What about our son, Michael? You haven’t even asked about Jacob. They’re both doing wonderful by the way. No thanks to you.”

Resting his arms on the table, he leans forward, and pushes a piece of paper my direction. “I am not asking. I am telling. Her passport is still valid, and I’ll need you to sign this release that she may travel out of the country.”

Looking down at the form he’s placed in front of me, I don’t register the words. They’re a blur. No letters or numbers. Just a jumbled mess. His words finally register. Looking up at him, I note the smirk now resting on his smug face.

Unfortunately for him, I am not the same woman I was during our marriage. I no longer believe in fairy tales or Prince Charming. I now know what being with someone who appreciates me feels like. A man who cares for my children as the individuals they are and wants to be around them.

If he thinks he can bully me into doing what he wants, he has another think coming. Standing from the table, I don’t offer any comment but do give him my back. I take two steps before he grips my elbow. This time, it’s not a gentle tug or pull. No, I’ll have a mark after he releases me. Michael digs his hand into my skin, possibly scratching me with his nails. He jerks me so I’m facing him. Venom spews from his mouth with each word.

“I understand you feel you have some sort of power, but you don’t. I hold the power, Felicity. Did you honestly think I allowed you to have these children without there being conditions? I may not have told you what those are, but it’s time to cash them in, dear wife.”

For the first time in our relationship, I’m afraid. I’ve not seen him like this before. My skin prickles with a chill, not from the air around us but from his eyes. Dark and fiery. Dangerous.

“Why do you need her?” I ask, trying to hide the anxiety I’m feeling.

“There are bank accounts and . . .”

Money. Of course it’s about money.

“I understand your hesitation. I’ll have all this money, and you’ll still be relying on your small town parents and the nowhere job you’ve secured to survive. I will give you one hundred thousand dollars upon my return of Clementine. Do not argue with me or make a scene and the money is yours.”

“No.”

His grip tightens and I flinch. “Ow. Michael, you’re—”

“Felicity? Is everything okay here?”

Never in my life have I been so grateful to hear another person’s voice. Relief rushes through my body as Michael releases his hold on me. Turning to face my rescuer, I plaster on a huge smile and say, “Ashton. It’s so good to see you.”

I step into her personal space and do the unthinkable. Pulling her into a hug, I whisper, “Don’t leave.”

“Michael, this is my dear friend, Ashton. We grew up together. Lifelong friends.”

“Uhm, hi.” Ashton extends her hand. Reluctantly, Michael accepts the offer.

“One second, Ash. I’m just going to speak to Michael.”

Nodding her head slowly, eyes bouncing between Michael and myself, she steps to the side and takes the seat I just vacated. This time, it’s me who takes an elbow as I lead Michael away from the table. He’s used to the passive and compliant wife. Luckily for me, I am no longer that person.

“I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing but the answer is no. You will not take my child anywhere without me. I don’t want your money, and I sure as hell don’t want my children pulled into whatever shady shit you’re involved in. I’d happily take the money you’re offering to care for our children. To provide for their future. I would suggest you find another way to get your money and then put it in an account for me to access. You have my information. Use it. And don’t come back here again.”

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