Chapter 7: Breaking Away

The sky turned dark, cicadas buzzing outside, porch light flickering on.

Holly led the way with a flashlight. I held Emily’s hand as we walked through the dewy grass.

She told me stories—about school, Rachel’s rules, sneaking Oreos after dinner with Ethan.

She said Michael chose Rachel because she looked like me. I bit my lip. To be replaced and remembered at once—what a strange thing.

Rachel didn’t stop her, but she didn’t want her learning art or music, either. Rachel was careful about who got to shine.

I squeezed Emily’s hand, promising to protect her happiness.

Suddenly, Michael appeared beneath the porch light. "Rachel holds no grudge. She’s got the guest room ready for you."

No one had stayed there in years. The air was probably stale, the sheets cold.

I shook my head. "I’m not staying at the Miller house."

Michael sneered. "If you leave, what will people think of our families? You’re still my first wife."

Emily tugged my sleeve. "Mom, aren’t we going to Austin?"

I smiled at her, ignoring Michael. "Yes, honey. We’re going."

"Austin?" Michael’s voice rose, porch lights flickering on down the block.

He stared at me, a cruel smile spreading. "You think you can threaten me by pretending to walk away? Rachel married me in church—there’s no reason to give your place back."

He was so sure I’d never really leave. I almost laughed at both of us.

"My husband is in Austin," I said, voice steady.

Michael’s face went pale. "You got married in Austin?"

I nodded, taking Emily’s hand and walking past him.

"You and I are both remarried. There’s nothing left between us."

He grabbed my jacket, yanking hard, desperation in his grip.

He was no longer calm, nearly choking on his words. "I don’t believe it."

"I’m a Deputy Director now. Can you really give up this life?"

I turned away. "Michael, you and I want different things. I care about him, not your status."

He wouldn’t let go. "What about Emily and Ethan? Don’t you care?"

Emily clung to me, trembling. I squeezed her hand.

"Emily will come with me. Ethan… he doesn’t want me. Let him stay."

I’d done all I could. I wouldn’t rip apart what peace they had left.

Michael tried one last time to stop me, but I cut the corner of my jacket off with a pocketknife—a final line in the sand. Security blocked his way.

He called after me, "Emily keeps the Miller name!"

I didn’t look back. "Not anymore."

This time, I’m the one leaving—and I’m not coming back.