84 - Elena

I was barely thinking straight as I walked to our bedroom, tears streaming down my face and

Richard on my heels.

“Baby," Richard pleaded. “Please. Please trust that I'll fix this."

I whirled around to face him. "How?" I screamed. “How will you fix this, Richard? Articles about us are all over the internet. It isn't as simple as suing just one single magazine, and even if we do, it's too late!"

I walked into our wardrobe and yanked my clothes off the hangers, my movements erratic.

"Elena," Richard called in panic, his voice breaking. "What are you doing, Ponyo? You can't... don't do this. I beg of you, don't do this, Elena."

I shook my head and grabbed my suitcase. "I'm not spending another moment in the same house as her. I've tried, Richard. For years, I've tried, sacrificing my damn soul to keep her happy in the process. I can't take much more.”

He grabbed my shoulders and held onto me tightly, panic flashing through his eyes. "You're insane if you think I'll let you go."

I shook my