Chapter 6: The Threshold

My mood instantly soured, but since Dad was still receiving him, I could only let Maddie help me to the living room.

The house felt different with Graham inside—tense, electric, the air charged with things unsaid. Maddie’s grip on my elbow was gentle, but firm.

Inside, Dad’s face was cold, while Graham’s was full of guilt. If Dad was truly angry, it would be far worse than this.

Dad sat stiff-backed in his favorite recliner, jaw set, hands gripping the armrests. Graham stood in the middle of the rug, out of place among the family photos and mismatched furniture.

Graham, what on earth did you say?

The silence between them was thick, broken only by the ticking of the old wall clock.

"Dad. Dr. Carter." I sat down as if meeting him for the first time, my tone distant, as if we were strangers.

I kept my gaze fixed on a spot just above his shoulder, not daring to look him in the eye.

Since I entered, his gaze never left me. Hearing my words, his eyes dimmed, his fists clenched at his sides.

He looked like a man who’d lost everything in a single hand of cards, the regret plain on his face.

All his helplessness condensed into one word: "Sorry."

His voice broke, the apology raw and small. It bounced off the walls and fell flat.

"Why has Dr. Carter come? We’re already divorced. There’s no need for further contact." My voice was cold, but he was clearly unsettled.

I wanted to leave no doubt—this was over, for good this time.

"Nat, I never agreed to a divorce. I know you misunderstood something. I came to explain."

He stepped forward, hope flickering in his eyes, as if he could still change my mind.

"Will you listen to me?" He stepped forward quickly, reaching for my hand, but Maddie blocked him.

She moved between us, a quiet wall of resolve. I felt a wave of gratitude for her steadiness.

"There’s nothing to say. I just want a divorce." That was my only request. I’m not a fool—misunderstanding or not, I see things clearly.

My voice was unwavering, stronger than I felt. I gripped the arm of the couch, anchoring myself in the present.

"Dr. Carter, my daughter is stubborn and unworthy of you. Let’s part peacefully." Dad spoke as if scolding me, but every word was in my favor.

He shot Graham a hard look, his meaning clear: Nat’s decision is final, and I’m behind her all the way.

He didn’t know why I wanted a divorce, but he knew I was never wrong. He supported every decision I made.

He’d always trusted me to know my own mind. That, more than anything, made me feel safe.

"Mr. Sinclair, Graham knows he messed up. I hope Nat will give me another chance. I’ll never let her suffer again." He was earnest. At some point, Maddie stepped aside, letting him seize my hand.

He clung to it like a lifeline, his fingers trembling. I felt the pressure, the desperation, but I held back.

Just as I was about to shake him off, I suddenly found myself unable to control my own mouth: "Dad, I’ll go back with him first and hear his explanation."

The words tumbled out before I could stop them, my voice sounding foreign even to me. Panic surged through me, cold and bright.

I glared at Graham in horror, resentment boiling inside. He actually drugged me!

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I realized what he’d done. The betrayal stung anew, but I clamped my lips shut, determined not to give him another inch.

But no matter how furious I was, I didn’t show it. He didn’t dare meet my eyes, only gripped my hand tighter and bid Dad farewell.

He turned away, his shoulders hunched, leading me out of the house as if afraid I’d slip away if he let go for even a second.

As I was about to be led out of the house, anxiety overwhelmed me and tears welled up.

The air was thick with goodbye. My feet crossed the threshold, heart pounding, as the door shut behind me. This time, I didn’t know if I’d ever come back.