Chapter 2: Fine Never Meant Fine
Dad's voice was quiet.
That was the worst part.
When he was truly angry, he never shouted.
"Vanessa.
How long has this lock been here?"
Vanessa crossed her arms.
"I run this house.
I set the rules."
"How long."
She looked away.
"A few weeks."
Caleb made a sound that wasn't quite a word.
Ava grabbed his sleeve.
Dad turned to me.
"Nia.
Look at me."
I did.
"Has she done this before?
Not just the food."
I wanted to protect everyone in that room, including him.
I didn't want to be the reason the house fell apart.
But I was so tired.
"Yes," I said.
Something shifted in his face.
He pulled out his phone and typed something quickly.
Then he looked at Vanessa.
"I want the combination."
"Excuse me?"
"The combination to that lock.
Right now."
Vanessa's chin lifted.
"You're going to take her side over mine?
Your own wife?"
"I'm taking my daughter's side.
Give me the combination."
Vanessa smiled.
It was the same smile from earlier.
Cold.
Certain.
"You don't know the whole story, Marcus.
Ask her why I had to do it.
Ask her what she did two months ago."
The room went completely still.
I had no idea what she meant.
But the way she said it made my stomach drop.
---
What did Vanessa mean?
What happened two months ago?
May you like
The full truth is darker than anyone expected.
Click the link below to read the complete story.
