Chapter 2

"Tabitha, can we discuss something?" Asher asked, his voice tentative. "Crystal's landlord evicted her after a dispute. She's got nowhere to go. Could she stay here, just temporarily?"

The absurdity of his request hit like a slap. I stared at him, incredulous. "You think that's appropriate?"

"Why not?" he muttered, impatience flaring. "When did you get so small-minded? I've told you a hundred times. Crystal is in the past. You're my only priority."

He leaned closer, insistent. "She is alone out there. Helping her is just decency. You know I'd never betray you."

His assurances rang hollow. He had betrayed me the moment he signed our home over to her.

"Asher," I said, each syllable sharp, "do you think I'm some doormat? That you can trample me after all I've endured with you?"

His jaw clenched, his gaze dropping to the floor.

Finally, he sighed, rubbing his temples. "You're overreacting. She is just a friend in need. It's settled. I'm picking her up."

He stormed out, the door slamming behind him.

Tears stung my eyes, hot and unwanted, but I forced them back. Crying over a man who'd become a stranger wasn't worth it.

My phone buzzed, pulling me from the spiral. It was Asher's mother, Margaret Terrell.

"Tabitha, it's the weekend," she said warmly. "Come over for dinner tomorrow."

She had always treated me like family. Refusing her felt wrong.

"Okay. We'll be there," I said, forcing a smile into my voice.

Hanging up, I stared out the window at the twilight sky. A chill settled in my bones, colder than the evening air.

The next day, I drove alone to the Terrell Mansion.

The house had been lost to bankruptcy years ago. When Asher rebuilt his fortune, he'd ached to reclaim this childhood home, but the new owner refused every offer.

I'd taken it upon myself to win it back, visiting week after week with fine gifts.

After three exhausting months, I finally charmed the old man with persistence and sincerity. He sold it back at the original price.

Margaret greeted me, her smile fading when she saw I was alone. "Where's Asher? Buried in work again?"

"Emergency meeting," I lied. "He'll come later."

She ushered me in and led me to sit on the sofa. She took my hand and sighed, "Don't cover for him, dear. I've heard about his recent antics."

My pulse quickened, but I stayed silent, unsure how much she knew.

"Is he tangled up with Crystal again?" she asked. "I warned him years ago that she was trouble. Told him to stay away."

I bowed my head, the weight of her words pressing down.

She squeezed my hand. "You've suffered too much for him. You're the only daughter-in-law we'll ever accept. If he crosses a line, I'll deal with him."

I forced a smile. "It's okay, really."

The front door burst open, and Asher strode in, his face stormy. "Are you coming here to rat me out to Mom?"

Margaret snatched a decorative pillow and hurled it at him. "You ungrateful boy! Tabitha wouldn't stoop to that. If she'd said one word against you, you'd be banned from this house."

"Then how do you know about Crystal?" he shot back, yanking his tie free.

"Do I need a report?" Margaret scoffed. "You've made her your personal secretary, flaunting your mess for the whole company to see. I'm not blind."

I swallowed a bitter smile, the irony cutting deep.