Breaking Free from Toxic Love

Synopsis

I stood frozen in the doorway of my own home, watching as Victoria Hayes glided across my living room like she already owned it. Her children trailed behind her, Mason's eyes darting around greedily while Emma clutched a designer backpack to her chest. Two years. It had been two years since Victoria's voice on the phone had pulled Michael away from our daughter's bedside. Two years since Lily had taken her last breath without her father by her side. "Sarah," Michael's voice cut through my thoughts, sharp and impatient. "Don't just stand there. Help Victoria get settled." I met my husband's eyes, searching for any trace of the man I'd married. His gaze was cold, detached—the same expression he'd worn since Lily's funeral. "Of course," I managed, my voice barely above a whisper. "Where will they be staying?" Michael's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Emma will take Ethan's room. Mason will have Lily's old room, and Victoria will stay in our bedroom." The floor seemed to tilt beneath me. "And where will Ethan and I sleep?" "You can take the guest room in the basement. Ethan can use the pullout couch down there." Victoria stepped forward, her perfume overwhelming as she placed a manicured hand on