Chapter 6 - Just a Bowl of Soup
Emily turned toward the hallway because her phone was charging near the entrance.
Vivian stepped between her and the door.
“You are not walking away while my son is speaking.”
“Move.”
Vivian lifted a bowl of soup from the table. Her smile returned.
“You always make everything dramatic.”
The bowl tipped. Hot soup splashed across Emily’s blouse and skirt. She stumbled, caught herself on a chair, and sank to the rug.
There was no serious burn, but the shock stole her breath.
Daniel looked at his mother.
Vivian placed the empty bowl on the table.
“It slipped.”
Daniel did not ask whether Emily was hurt. He crossed his arms.
“Look at the mess you made.”
Something inside Emily became still.
She had imagined leaving quietly, serving papers through an attorney, and avoiding a scene. But now she sat on Rose’s rug while Daniel blamed her for what his mother had done.
The right moment was no longer in the future.
Emily reached for her phone.
Vivian laughed. “It’s just a bowl of soup. Stop acting.”
Daniel pointed his chin toward the door.
“Get out of my mother’s house. Right now.”
Emily dialed emergency services and placed the call on speaker.
“I need the police to come to my apartment.”
Vivian’s smile vanished.
Daniel stared at her. “Your apartment?”
Emily rose slowly, holding the table.
“It’s in my name. And protected by a prenuptial agreement.”
The dispatcher asked whether she was safe. Emily gave the address and explained that two people were refusing to leave.
May you like
Then came the knock.
For the first time in months, Daniel and Vivian had nothing to say.
