All Chapters of BETRAYAL: The Day I Died.: Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

Daisy’s soft breathing was the only sound inside the car as we pulled up in front of the cemetery gates. She had fallen asleep halfway through the drive, her head resting against my arm, her little curls tickling my skin. For a moment, I just sat there, listening to her quiet breaths, feeling the tiny weight of her body against mine. My chest felt heavy, because I knew where we were going and why.Benjamin parked and turned off the engine. He glanced at me and gave a small nod, as if to say, We’re here. You’re not alone.I carefully slid out of the car, adjusting Daisy in my arms. Her head lolled against my shoulder, her mouth slightly open in the way that always made me want to kiss her forehead. She had no idea where we were or what this visit meant for me. Maybe it was better that way.Benjamin opened the trunk and took out the bouquet of flowers we had picked up on the way. They were white lilies, my mother’s favorite. Just seeing them made my throat tighten. He shut the trunk sof

We left the hotel that night without saying much. Benjamin carried the bags while I held Daisy’s hand, her head leaning against my side as she drifted in and out of sleep. When we got to his mansion, everything felt too new and awkward. The wide hallways, the tall ceilings, and even the ticking of the clock on the wall sounded too loud.Benjamin carried Daisy upstairs. I followed slowly, my chest heavy with dread. He carried her into his room, pulling the blanket up to her chin. She turned over, mumbling something in her sleep, and he brushed a hand over her hair. I stood at the doorway, watching, my throat tight. Why can't we just have peace together?We left her door halfway open and went back downstairs. I sank into one of the couches, curling my hands together in my lap, while Benjamin sat across from me. He leaned back, legs spread slightly, his arm resting against the chair, but I could see the way his jaw was tight. He was trying to look calm, but the worry was there in his eye

I sat there for what felt like forever, my body pressed against the edge of the bed, my fingers twisting the bedsheet like it was the only thing holding me together. My chest was heavy, my breathing uneven, and the silence in the room wrapped around me like a chain I couldn’t break free from. My legs felt frozen. I wanted to stand, but my body refused to move. Fear kept me glued in place.Then, I heard the faint sound of the door handle twist. My heart jumped into my throat. I had locked it from the inside, but the sound still made me tremble. My breath caught as I stared at the door, waiting and listening.Then I heard his voice.“Elizabeth,” Benjamin’s tone was calm, soft, almost too calm compared to the storm in my chest.I stood slowly, my legs were shaking, and I walked toward the door. My hand hesitated on the lock, my fingers trembling so badly that I almost couldn’t turn it. Before opening, I pressed my ear to the wood, listening for voices, for footsteps, anything that would

The playground was lively when we arrived, with the sound of children’s laughter carried from the swings. Dennison and Jake were already seated under the big mango tree, the shade falling neatly across their bench. Jake’s legs dangled off the edge of the chair, too short to touch the ground, and he was swinging them in restless excitement.When he saw us, Dennison stood, lifting a hand waving a greeting. His smile was warm. Jake noticed Daisy beside me, and in an instant, he was off the bench, practically flying across the grass. Daisy squealed when she saw him. She let go of my hand and ran, her little shoes kicking up dirt as she threw her arms around Jake.I stopped where I was, watching them collide in a tight embrace. Jake spun her around clumsily, both of them laughing so loud that people on the other side of the playground turned their heads. I couldn’t help smiling. Daisy had only played with Jake for two days, but it was like they’d found some unspoken bond, one of those inst

Benjamin and I hadn’t spoken since the fight. The silence between us was heavier than any words. Even during dinner, it felt like we were two strangers sitting across from each other, just moving food around our plates. Daisy tried to brighten the table with her little giggles and stories, but even she could sense something was wrong. She kept looking between us, waiting for one of us to break the tension, but neither of us did.After dinner, I took Daisy upstairs. I placed her into bed, smoothing her blanket over her small body, and kissed her forehead. She whispered, “Goodnight, Mommy,” before rolling over with her iPad still clutched in her hands.I stood there for a moment, staring at her little face in the dim light. Guilt pricked at me, she was not supposed to see the tension between Benjamin and me. Even though she is still a child, I’m sure she understood the silence.Later, after my bath, I pulled on my nightdress and sat on the edge of my bed. I was tired, but my mind wouldn