Chapter 4

This was what all my compromise had gotten me.

For the sake of so-called family harmony, I had backed off again and again, only to become someone they could push around at will - a pregnant woman who could be thrown out of her own home for her brother-in-law's exam. What a joke.

Slowly, I pulled open the drawer. At the very bottom sat a file folder. I took it out and opened it. Inside were all the papers for this apartment, including he purchase agreement and the bright red deed with only my name on it.

I ran my fingers over my name on the deed. Sarah Summers. This was my house, my last bit of confidence. Mary was right in one way and wrong in another: I might have married David Carter, but the house had not.

I took out my phone and scrolled through my contacts. I didn't call my parents. I didn't want them worrying. This was something I'd handle myself. Instead, I found an old real-estate agent's number and called.

"Hello." "Hi, this is Sarah Summers." After giving my name and address, I said, "I want to sell a house." The agent was clearly stunned. "Ms. Summers? That place? It's prime property." "Yes," I said. "I want it sold, and fast."

I thought it over. I'd bought the place for about five hundred thirty thousand dollars, and now it was probably worth a lot more. But I didn't want to wait.

"Seven hundred thousand dollars," I said. "I want an all-cash deal and the fastest possible closing."

The agent got excited at once. He had a buyer with plenty of money who'd wanted a place in my complex for ages. He asked to bring him over the next day, but I refused.

"I don't want my family knowing yet. Send the photos and floor plan first. If he's interested, we'll sign outside. The price is negotiable, but it has to be cash and it has to be fast."

The agent immediately got the message. "Understood, Ms. Summers. I'll handle it right away. Your place has a great layout and nice decor. It'll sell fast for sure. I'll call you the moment I have good news."

I hung up and set the phone on the table. Outside, lights came on across the city one by one. For a moment, it felt like not one of them was shining for me.

Then I corrected myself. Starting today, I would light one for myself and my child.

A knock came from outside my door. It was David, trying to coax me out. "My mom only said that in anger. Don't take it seriously. Come out and eat." I didn't move or answer.

Voices echoed outside the door. “Summer? Open up. I’m really worried about you.”I only lay down, pulled up the blanket, and closed my eyes.

What my world needed was peace and quiet.

Early the next morning, the agent called, barely hiding his excitement. The buyer loved the photos, accepted the seven-hundred-thousand-dollar price on the spot, and could sign that day. The full amount would hit escrow within three days.

At last, my heart settled. "Good," I said.