Husband's Frame, Wife's Fierce Justice

orked, searching for the

finally said. "It was a stressful

bout her. Every decision, every action, filt

pain was a grounding sensation, a sharp point of focus in the swirling chaos of my emotions. I wanted to scream, to rage,

ed it. "I' m sorry, Haven," he said, his voice dripping wi

er beautiful picture of our future, a fu

f. "I' m ti

stopped

o be alone

pursued me for years, a relentless, charming force of nature. I had believed in th

story he told himself, and I w

ithout an

o our condo. The city skyline looked the s

s overgrown with weeds. Inside, things were missing. A painting I lo

ed to my thin

e some room. Catalina... she stayed here f

tural thing in the world for his ex-girlfriend to

cate me. "She' s in the guest room now. I made h

roud host displaying his hospitality. I followed him, my fac

chin resting on my shoulder. "I missed you s

en, with a strength I didn' t kn

on' t talk about it. I

stunned.

e front door

hort when she saw us. A flicker of annoyance crossed her f

s. "Oh, you poor thing. We need to get you some new clothes. Alec, did you tell

my silence a wall sh

e towards the bedroom. "Let me show

d my ar

I saw the flash of

my voice eerily calm. "

ut the next phase of my plan into m

its hiding place. It was no bigger than a button. I secured it behind the mirror

as alone with Alec. Her voi

s going to try to ruin ever

e you," he said

he wanted a public declaratio

suddenly bright and loud for my benefit. "A commitment ce

alarm panel by the door and, with

d, a deafening,

began to chant: "FIRE DETECTE