Chapter 2
The place had been empty for ages, a thin layer of dust covering everything.
I flipped on all the lights.
The living room was bare, with only a single couch.
I sat down and pulled out my phone.
The screen lit up with dozens of unread messages.
They were all from Todd.
First he was demanding answers, then threatening me, and finally, I could sense his panic.
Todd texted: [Ashlyn, you really think you can just ignore me?
[The house was yours before we got married, but the car was bought after. Don't even think about driving it away.
[Where are you? Get home, now.
[Alright, you're tough. Just don't regret it later.]
I read through every message, then blocked him.
His number, WhatsApp, and all his contacts.
Peace at last.
I sat on the couch all night.
When morning came, I started making plans.
My first step was moving out.
The so-called "home" was the apartment Todd's company assigned him, where we lived together. Most of my stuff was still there.
My second step was finding a lawyer.
Then I'd tell my parents.
I called a moving company and scheduled them for the afternoon.
Then I found the best divorce lawyer in town online and sent him an email.
After that, I finally called my mom.
She picked up on the first ring.
She said, "Ashlyn? Why are you calling so early?"
I said, "Mom, I'm getting divorced from Todd."
There was silence on the other end.
After a long pause, my mom finally spoke, sounding hesitant. "What happened?"
I told her about the company's annual gala.
I didn't exaggerate or embellish anything, just stated the facts.
My mom fell silent again.
She asked, "That's it?"
I answered, "Mom, this isn't the first time."
I thought about all the little things that had happened over the past year.
Todd would bring Daisy home and let her use my cup.
Whenever I cooked, Todd would always serve Daisy first.
When we watched movies, Daisy would always sit right next to Todd.
I brought it up to Todd.
But he always said, "She's just my sister. You're overthinking it."
All those feelings of hurt came flooding back.
I took a deep breath and tried to push them back.
I said, "Mom, I've made up my mind."
My mom said, "Alright, honey. I'm here with you. When will you come back for a visit?"
"Once I've taken care of everything," I said.
After hanging up, I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
That afternoon, I showed up at the apartment with the movers.
I unlocked the door with my key.
Todd wasn't there.
But Daisy was.
She was lounging on my couch, wearing my pajamas, munching on my snacks, and watching my TV.
When she saw me, she looked stunned for a moment.
She stood up and gave me that familiar innocent look.
"Hey Ashlyn, you're back. Todd's been so worried about you," she said.
I ignored her.
I turned to the movers behind me. "Guys, could you please pack up all the ladies' things from the master bedroom?"
The movers nodded and got to work.
Daisy's expression changed.
She walked over and grabbed my arm.
"Ashlyn, what are you doing? Please don't fight with Todd anymore. It's all my fault. I already told Todd to try and talk you into coming back," she said.
Her hand was cold.
For the first time, I actually met her gaze.
There was no remorse in them, only wariness and smugness.
I brushed her hand off.
"I'll handle my own things. This has nothing to do with you," I said.
Daisy said, "How can you say it has nothing to do with me, Ashlyn? Are you jealous or something? There's nothing between Todd and me. We're just family."
As she spoke, her eyes welled up with tears.
Just then, the door opened.
Todd walked in.
When he saw the scene inside, his face darkened instantly.
He stormed over and shoved me aside.
He stepped in front of Daisy and shouted at me. "Ashlyn, what the hell are you doing now? How long are you going to keep picking on Daisy?"
My back hit the wall.
A dull ache spread across my back.
Todd's eyes were red, like a furious beast.
He was protecting Daisy.
Daisy hid behind him, grabbing his shirt, her shoulders trembling as she cried.
"Todd, don't blame Ashlyn. It's all my fault. I shouldn't have stayed here. I'll leave, I promise," Daisy said.
She said she'd leave, but her feet stayed planted right where they were.
Todd's anger flared even more.
"Why are you leaving? This is your place. She's the one who should get out," he shouted.
He jabbed a finger at me.
The movers paused, exchanging awkward glances as they watched the scene unfold.
I steadied myself against the wall.
I looked at Todd, and the last bit of warmth in my heart faded away.
"Todd, take a good look. Whose place is this, really?" I said.