“That makes it much more reasonable.”
I laughed for the first time all day.
Then Hazel started crying.
Sarah stood.
“I’ll get the nurse.”
“No.”
I looked toward the bassinet.
“I want to try.”
My upper body was strong.
My arms worked.
I could sit with support.
The nurse had shown me how to transfer Hazel safely from the bassinet if it was positioned correctly.
Sarah moved it closer.
I reached carefully.
My hands shook.
Then I lifted my daughter.
Slowly.
Awkwardly.
But I did it.
Hazel settled against me.
I stared down at her.
My legs still would not move.
My marriage was over.
My company had been infiltrated.
My husband had betrayed me.
And somehow, holding my daughter, I did not feel weak.
I felt furious.
That was better.
PART 5
Julian called me twenty-seven times that night.
I answered none.
At midnight, he began texting.
Genevieve, this has gone too far.
We need to speak privately.
Victoria manipulated everything.
My mother lost control.
I never wanted you hurt.
Please think about Hazel.
That message made me sick.
Then another arrived.
If you destroy me, you destroy her father.
