2

Arthur looked at me like he'd just heard the joke of the century.

"Christina, you think you can ask me for a divorce?

"Once you're not an officer's wife anymore, how do you expect to get by in this town?"

I tilted my head and smiled.

"Arthur, do you think I care?"

He sneered.

"Give it a rest, Christina.

"We've been married ten years. I know exactly what you care about."

So that was how he saw me after ten years together: vain, shallow, and worthless.

"Emily knows medicine. She might even get a job at a major hospital in Miami someday.

"And you? What can you do besides keep house and look after a child?

"Taking her to Miami is the right call."

Every word stung like a needle.

The Arthur who used to be gentle with me and dote on our daughter was gone, just as I'd thought.

"I'll divorce you soon enough," I said. "I won't stand in the way of your success."

I didn't bother arguing. Instead, I turned and packed Isabelle's things one by one.

Then I spread a thick, soft blanket over the hard cot in the basement for her.

Emily and Lucy stood nearby, unable to hide their satisfaction, as if they'd just won a battle.

Arthur turned and disappeared into the kitchen.

I heard Emily coaxing Lucy in a low voice.

"Sweetheart, I know this room's a little small.

"Once we get to Miami, we'll have a much bigger, nicer place. It'll be 100 times better than this."

"Uncle Arthur said all your stuff is mine from now on!"

Lucy lifted her chin and gave Isabelle a smug look.

My daughter looked up at me, her eyes red.

I made myself breathe slowly.

Arthur was in such a hurry. In my last life, he'd at least held out until Emily died before turning on us. This time, he'd dropped the act the moment we were reborn.

If he wanted Lucy to be his daughter that badly, I'd give him exactly that.

I only hoped he'd still be smiling when the time came.

The next day, Arthur watched me pack my suitcase for a while, then suddenly grabbed my wrist.

"If you behave, I'll come back for you and our daughter once I'm settled."

He spoke as if he were doing me a favor. I scoffed and pulled my hand free.

"No need. Keep your precious Emily and Lucy in line, and stay out of my way.

"Otherwise, there's no telling what I'll do if I snap."

Arthur's face darkened.

"Christina, don't push me!

"Lay a finger on the two of them, and you'll have me to deal with. If I find out, I won't go easy on you."

His words cut deep.

I'd never realized how much Emily meant to him.

"I'm just packing. Why are you so nervous?

"If you're that afraid of what I'll do to her, keep a close eye on her."

He shot me a scornful look.

"Packing won't do you any good. The list has already been stamped and handed to the officer.

"I'm warning you, don't try anything. Or else...

"Don't blame me for what happens!"