Chapter 5
Declan stared at our son, completely stunned, like he couldn’t believe what he’d just heard.[]
He must’ve thought Jasper was making it up.[]
But Jasper was only eight.[]
He didn’t even know how to lie like that.]
So of course, Declan turned to me.
- me.
“Serena, is what Jasper said true?“]
He seriously asked that?
Like he didn’t already know?
He knew everything.
ore that night–before him–I’d never been with any man.
Before
I still remember how long he stared at the bloodstain on the sheet when he woke up.
And how all he said was, “I’ll take responsibility.“[]
I thought it was the beginning of a fairytale.[]
Turns out, it was just the first brick in the prison he built for me.[]
I let out a bitter laugh, pulled the divorce papers from my bag, and held them out.]
“I am taking Jasper to find his real dad.“]
“So do us all a favor and sign this.“]
“After today, we’re done.“]]
Declan’s face darkened.
And then rage took over.
He grabbed the divorce papers and flung them into the air.[]
The white pages spun and fluttered, scattering across the floor like confetti from a broken dream
That was our marriage in a nutshell.
No give–and–take.
Just me–giving.
And my son, waiting for a love that never came.
e.]
“You’re mine,” Declan snarled]
“Even if you die, you’re getting buried next to me.”
ne.“0
He never loved me
But he wanted to own me.]
Even in death.
But why?
I’d never done a damn thing to hurt him.[]
So why should I spend my life suffocating in his shadow?
Sight then, the airport FA system chimed in
The flight to New Zealand was boarding
I took a deep breath and grabbed our suitcase with one hand and Jasper with the other
Til file for divorce,” I said quietly]
“My lawyer will be in touch.
just as I started walking, I felt the suitcase jolt back
Dedan had grabbed it–and then he grabbed me too
His eyes were bloodshot, wild
Like a caged animal ready to snap
In all these eight years. I’d never seen him like this.
You’re not leaving,” he growled.]
Not without my permission.“]
He yanked me back, hard.]]
e.]
People started to stare.
Jasper, scared and shaking, broke free from Declan’s grip.[]
He darted into the crowd, eyes scanning until they landed on a tall man.]
“Sir!” he cried, running up to him. []
“Please help my mom!“]]
That man won’t leave us alone–he wants to take us away!“]]
My son’s voice cracked with sobs, every word full of desperation.
The man looked down at Jasper, then up at me.]]
In a flash, he was striding over.
When his eyes met mine, he paused–just for a second.]
Then his fist met Declan’s face.
People gasped and rushed in, forming a tight circle around Declan.
I didn’t wait.
I grabbed our things and Jasper’s hand and ran for the gate.
The second we boarded the plane, I finally let myself exhale
We were really leaving.
I was terrified Declan would pull me back into that darkness one last time.
But he didn’t
Jasper tugged at my sleeve, practically bouncing in his seat.[]
“Mom!” he whispered, eyes wide with excitement.
That nice man from earlier–look! He’s on our flight!”
I looked up, and my eyes locked with his.
Serena,” he said, stunned.
