My mother-in-law moved my sister-in-law into my home to give birth. When I objected, my husband snapped: ‘Watch your mouth!’ I didn’t argue. I secretly sold the house and fled to England.

a cash offer within forty-eight hours.

The buyer was a property developer who wanted the lot and didn’t care about my furniture.

Closing could happen in ten days.

I accepted.

The next morning, Madison found me packing crystal glasses into boxes.

“Finally cleaning?” she asked.

“Something like that.”

She laughed. “Mom says you were dramatic before, but Eric fixed that.”

I turned and looked at her.

For one second, her smile disappeared.

Then Diane entered carrying paint samples.

“We’re doing the nursery in sage,” she said. “And I want your