The Miami penthouse.
Vanessa practically glowed.
It had ocean views, an impressive address, and the kind of luxury she loved showing people.
Then I opened mine.
The old cabin in the northern mountains.
Vanessa laughed.
“Fits you perfectly.”
I looked at Jared.
He stared at his shoes.
Then Vanessa folded her arms.
“Well, now that you have your own place, you won’t need our guest room anymore. I’m turning it into a gym.”
She smiled.
“You should probably pack tonight.”
I had spent years helping them.
Cooking.
Cleaning.
Running errands.
Supporting Jared financially whenever something went wrong.
And during Thomas’s illness, I had somehow continued taking care of everyone while also caring for my dying husband.
I could have reminded Jared of all of that.
I didn’t.
I simply stood.
“Fine.”
I packed two suitcases, placed their house keys on the counter, and left.
Four hours later, I was driving into the mountains.
