Love Fades at Dusk

Daniel branded me a liar and a viper.

Words of defense died in my throat as I knew he wouldn't believe me, no matter what.

To him, my voice was just noise.

I stayed silent, but it only confirmed his verdict.

A doctor emerged. "Ms. Duffy lost too much blood. The blood bank is low."

Daniel nodded, pointing at me. "Use hers. She caused this, and she pays the price. Drain her if you have to."

I thrashed, but the guards pinned me down.

My blood flowed through tubes to Vivian, my lips paling as dizziness set in.

The doctor signaled enough, but Daniel waved him off.

Before I blacked out, I saw him kiss Vivian's forehead so tenderly, as if she were his soulmate.

...

I came to at night, discarded on a bench.

Pain was still radiating through me. The IV needle dangled from my arm, blood pooling on the floor.

Gritting through pain, I yanked it out and limped home.

Daniel and Vivian were already there. He pushed her wheelchair, her face pale but smug.

She hadn't miscarried, but she needed rest.

I brushed past them, certain that only she and I had touched the soup.

I had added nothing, so there was only one possibility. She'd poisoned herself to frame me.

I retreated to the guest room, packed my things, and placed a divorce agreement on the desk.

Daniel barged in and commanded, "I'm meeting a client. Go look after Vivian, and no tricks! If anything happens to her or the baby, you're done."

He shoved me into the master bedroom, now unrecognizable with cribs, rockers, and toys.

Alone, Vivian dropped her act. "Why do you cling to Daniel like a leech? Seven years, and you still don't get it. I'm the one he loves. If I hadn't left back then, you'd never have had a shot. Be smart and walk away with dignity."

"Being a homewrecker makes you so proud?" I shot back. "As long as I'm here, you and that kid remain illegitimate."

Fury flashed across her face, then morphed into a sly grin. She grabbed her phone and made a call. "Jesse has lost it. She is setting the house on fire. Save me!"

I blinked as she cackled, "Once you're gone, I'll step right into your place."

She flicked a lighter, tossing it at me.

I dodged, and it hit the bed, igniting it instantly.

We were trapped in the room as the fire grew stronger. The thick smoke choked me, making me cough uncontrollably.

Daniel rushed back, kicking the door open. I reached out my hand to him, and he instinctively moved to pick me up.

A sudden cry from Vivian stopped him cold. He bypassed me and went straight to her, lifting her into his arms.

"You set this fire!" He spat at me. "Crawl out yourself!"

By then, smoke had filled my lungs. My strength was gone, and my outstretched hand was my last hope.

He crushed it, turning away.

It was a scene all too familiar. I had seen it too many times, and my heart turned to ash.

Finally, I could face reality and tell him that I was done.