Chapter 2 2

The morning light filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the dining room did nothing to warm the chill in Emma's bones. She sat at the long, mahogany table, a plate of untouched eggs and toast in front of her.

She hadn't slept. Her eyes felt gritty and dry, but she didn't look away from the staircase.

The front door clicked open. Darius walked in, smelling of stale cigars and expensive whiskey. His tie was loose, his hair disheveled. When he saw Emma sitting there, still and silent, he stopped.

"What is this?" he snapped, yanking the silk tie from his collar. "Sitting in the dark giving everyone the evil eye?"

Emma didn't blink. She reached into her purse and pulled out her tablet. She slid it across the polished wood of the table until it stopped directly in front of his coffee cup.

The screen lit up. A muted video played. The black-and-white image of him holding Ashlea in the study filled the screen.

Darius froze. His face drained of color for a fraction of a second before flooding with a dark, dangerous rage. He slammed the tablet shut, the sound echoing violently in the quiet room.

"Are you spying on me now?" he hissed, leaning over the table, his voice a low, venomous threat.

"Did I need to?" Emma replied, her voice devoid of any emotion. "You built the stage right in my living room."

She stood up slowly, her posture rigid. She buttoned her blazer. "Ashlea has to go. Today."

A flicker of panic crossed Darius's face, quickly swallowed by indignation. "No. She is my sister. She has nowhere else to go."

"That is not my problem," Emma said, her tone absolute ice. "This is my bottom line, Darius. She leaves, or I do."

A thundering of small feet interrupted the standoff.

"Daddy!"

Ten-year-old Sophie bounded down the stairs, her plaid private school skirt bouncing. She ran straight past Emma, launching herself into Darius's waiting arms.

Darius picked her up, his demeanor shifting instantly to the doting father. "Hey, munchkin. Ready for school?"

Sophie looked over her father's shoulder, her smile dropping when she saw Emma's stiff posture. "Are you guys fighting?"

"Of course not, baby," Darius said smoothly, glaring at Emma over Sophie's head. "Just grown-up stuff."

As if on cue, Ashlea padded down the stairs. She wore a white sundress, her hair in a messy braid. Her eyes were red and puffy, the picture of a distressed angel.

"Good morning," she whispered, not looking at Emma.

Sophie wiggled out of Darius's arms and ran to Ashlea, hugging her waist. "Ashlea, don't cry! Did Mommy make you sad again?"

The words were like a physical slap, stinging Emma's cheek.

Ashlea crouched down, gently cupping Sophie's face. "No, sweetie. It's not her fault. I'm just being silly."

"You always say that," Sophie said, puffing out her cheeks as she glared at Emma. "I hate you! You're always trying to kick Ashlea out! She reads to me and plays with me. You just make me practice piano!"

Emma felt her stomach lurch. The physical sensation of rejection was a heavy, sinking weight.

Darius watched the scene with a smirk. "Look what you've done, Emma. Your jealousy is hurting your own daughter."

He straightened his jacket, his jaw set. "Ashlea isn't going anywhere. This is my house, and I make the rules."

He turned his back to Emma, placing an arm around Ashlea and holding Sophie's hand. They walked to the other end of the massive table, laughing and talking softly. A perfect little family.

The household staff kept their eyes downcast, silently bustling around them.

Emma stood alone at the head of the table. The isolation was a physical thing, pressing in on her from all sides.

She picked up her handbag. She didn't look back as she walked out the heavy oak front door.

Darius didn't call after her. From inside, she heard Sophie cheer.