Page 56 of Saoirse's Stepfather Daddy

“I do trust him,” Saoirse interrupted. “I don’t think anyone else would’ve been able to help me the way he has. You know him, Mother. He hasn’t changed. He’s still the steadfast, loyal, brilliant man you married. Everything about this relationship has been my choice. Never for a second did I feel like he would turn me out if I didn’t want to be involved romantically so don’t make this out like he was taking advantage of me.”

“Says the girl who let her advisor fingerfuck her in the law review offices and then cried sexual assault? You think I believe—”

“Renata, enough.”

Arthur’s voice sliced through the air. It wasn’t that he yelled, but that quiet voice of his cut so deep she shivered even though he wasn’t directing his sharp fury at her. He’d unlaced their fingers and was standing now, half in front of her like he was a sea wall protecting her from the worst waves of her mother’s disgust.

“I’m not going to stand here while you make Saoirse feel as though being assaulted was her fault. As though she’s to blame when the only person at fault is Mark Teufel. I’m also not going to allow you to question her agency or intelligence. You can do what you like with the information we’ve given you in regards to David although we’ll be reporting him to the police for drugging Saoirse, and I’m going to make sure Mark Teufel’s name gets dragged through the mud so even if he doesn’t go to prison like he should he’ll be untouchable by any university or legal firm. And I’d do it regardless of what had happened between us. I think I’ve said enough so unless Saoirse has any last words, we’ll be going.”

She supposed she ought to have something to say but really Arthur had covered it and she was tired. Tired of fighting, tired of being dismissed, tired of being taken advantage of and manipulated. Saoirse took the hand up Arthur was offering and didn’t let go when she was on her feet but clung to him for strength as much as she dared.

“If you choose to stay married to this man and don’t support me pursuing justice for what he did or for what Professor Teufel did, I can’t have contact with you anymore. I love you, but I’ve had enough and I won’t sacrifice my self-respect or my mental health trying to play nice ever again. So, up to you. Goodbye.”

Her chest felt tight and she feared her mother would tell her good riddance, but that wasn’t her problem. Saoirse was confident she wasn’t in the wrong and she’d stated her needs clearly and concisely. That was all she could do. She turned and headed toward the door, and Arthur squeezed her hand as if to sayI’m here, I love you, and I will never let you down.

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