Chapter 8
Megan’s body began shaking after the words were spoken.
Not from fear alone.
From release.
Secrets hold tension in the muscles.
Once spoken, they leave the body trembling.
Jake felt her hand tighten around his.
He wanted to turn and gather her into his arms, but Margaret was still in the doorway.
Still too close.
Still calculating.
“Get out of the bedroom,” he said.
Margaret’s face twisted.
“This is my son’s home.”
“It is our apartment.”
“You wouldn’t have anything without me.”
Jake almost laughed.
Not because it was funny.
Because the lie was old.
Margaret had helped them with the down payment, yes.
Then reminded them every month.
She had bought nursery items, then used them as proof of authority.
She had kept a spare key, then called it emergency access.
Every gift came with a hook.
Every favor became a leash.
Jake looked at the woman who raised him and felt grief move under the anger.
He had loved her.
He still did, somewhere.
But love could not be allowed to stand between Megan and safety.
“Leave the room,” he repeated.
Margaret stepped back once.
Then stopped, trying to regain dignity.
“You’ll regret this.”
Jake’s voice did not rise.
“I already do.”
For a second, Margaret looked confused.
He clarified.
“I regret leaving her alone with you.”
That struck her harder than shouting.
Megan began to cry behind him.
May you like
This time, not silently.
Read the full story 👉 Jake’s greatest regret was not discovering the bruises late; it was realizing he had unknowingly left Megan with danger.
