CHAPTER 1: THE FIFTY DOLLAR MARTYR

The fifty-dollar dress was on my table. It made me think about the kind of person I am now. The gown was orange like a flame that has burned out. I bought the cheap dress from a store near my home. This store sells things that people do not need for a time.

I remember being in this store with the lights shining brightly. I was holding the fifty-dollar dress. Looking at it very carefully. I was trying to convince myself that buying the fifty-dollar dress was a choice. I was also trying to tell myself that everything is okay and fine when it's was actually not okay.

I am Hannah Miller, Mikes wife. To our neighbors I am the woman who always holds the elevator. I never complain about the noise. To the store clerk I am the lady who always clips coupons. To Mike I am a maid. I cook his meals. I clean his clothes.

Sometimes I look in the mirror. I try to remember the girl I used to be. The girl who spoke languages. She understood business before breakfast. I gave up a lot of money for what I thought was love. I wanted to know if a man could love me for who I'm

"Hey Hannah, where is my grey tie?" Mikes voice came from the bedroom. A drawer slammed shut.

"It is in the drawer Mike. It is behind your gym socks " I called back. My voice was calm. It is a shield I wear every day to keep the peace.

I looked at my hands as I stirred the sauce. They were red and raw from cleaning the bathroom. Mike said it was good for me. He did not know that while I cleaned I was thinking about business. I was keeping my mind sharp.

Tonight was our anniversary. I spent three days preparing a meal. I set the table with candles. I wanted tonight to be different. I wanted Mike to see me.

When Mike came out he did not look at the candles. He did not smell the food. He went to the mirror. He fixed his tie a Hermès tie I knew he bought in secret.

"You look fine " he said. His eyes looked at my dress for a second. "A bit plain do you think? It suits you."

The words should have hurt. I was used to them. "Happy anniversary, Mike. I made your food."

He sat down. He checked his watch. He barely touched his food. "I have to go, Hannah. There is a problem at work. My boss needs me."

"On a Friday night? On our anniversary?" I asked. My voice was loud.

Mike snapped at me. "That is what happens when you are the one who provides for this family. You would not understand the pressure."

He left his phone on the table. That is when I saw the message that changed everything. Sophia: The bracelet is beautiful. I am waiting for you to put it on me tonight.

The air left the room. I did not drop the plate. I felt calm. I picked up the phone. I scrolled through the messages. Mike was cheating on me.

I felt a clarity. The woman I used to be was back. I reached into Mikes pocket. I found a receipt from a jewelry store. Seven thousand dollars for a gold bracelet.

That morning I asked Mike for forty dollars to buy shoes. He told me we were tight on money. He did not know that while I cleaned the bathroom I was thinking about business.

I heard Mikes footsteps coming back. I put the phone back. I sat down to eat. The food tasted like ash.

"I am off " Mike said. He gave me a kiss on the cheek. "Have a night Hannah."

"Have a night Mike " I said. My voice was steady. "I hope you get what you deserve."

As the door closed I stood up. I did not wash the dishes. I did not blow out the candles. I walked to the bedroom. I pulled out a floorboard. Inside was a phone and a black card that I had not used in ten years.

I dialed a number that felt like a lifeline to my past.

"Vane Residence " a voice answered. It was Arthur, the man who was like a father to me.

"Arthur " I said. My voice was strong. "Tell my father that his Little Star is done playing games. Have the car ready in fifteen minutes. Tell the lawyers to get ready. There is going to be a fight."

There was a silence. Then a whisper. "Miss Hannah we have been waiting for this call."