Never Again, Never You

For two straight years, this house echoed with Vivian's stupid laugh.

Pretty sure she did it on purpose—left pieces of herself everywhere.

Her pink camisole hung off my favorite piano.

Used condoms scattered across the couch and rug I picked out.

Our wedding photo? In the trash, because Vivian pouted and he caved.

I used to think he'd remember me. So I swallowed every bit of it—silent, humiliated, hopeful.

Looking back now? Pathetic.

Bradley locked me in the kitchen to cook meals after confiscating everything I owned.

Nathan was unreachable, cops weren't an option.

And if I didn't obey? I didn't even want to think about it.

Last time I said no—just refused to grab Vivian's earrings—Bradley threw me into the pool.

Middle of a snowstorm.

The cold hit like a slap. My clothes soaked instantly.

I couldn't swim. Panicked. Water filled my nose, throat, lungs.

I flailed, gasping—

"Bradley... help me..."

But all he did was hold Vivian tighter, frowning like I was the inconvenience.

"Don't worry, Vivian. If the earrings are lost, I'll buy you new ones."

So I let the water drag me under.

Right before I blacked out, someone yanked me up.

I choked, gasped—met Bradley's dead-cold stare.

"Oh, right. Forgot you can't swim. Sorry."

Sounded like an apology. Felt like a slap.

He hauled me in front of Vivian. I collapsed, soaked and shaking.

They looked down at me like I was some wet, stray mutt.

Vivian smirked, looped her arm through his, and asked to go shopping.

Bradley didn't miss a beat.

"My mom's coming later. Clean yourself up."

I was freezing. Bones numb. Still defended him to Coraline.

Still told myself—he's just confused. Just lost his memory.

What a joke.

I didn't know how to make prenatal meals, so I just made pumpkin soup.

Of course, Bradley slammed it to the floor.

"Serena Linwood, what kind of tantrum is this?"

Hot soup splashed up my arm—instantly burned.

I cried out, hugged my belly, reached for the table to stay upright.

Before I could catch my breath, he dropped another command.

"Dinner at my mom's tonight. Get ready. And don't forget your lines."

Then he dragged me out to buy a long-sleeved dress—to hide the burn, obviously.

The car ride was silent the whole way.

His mom was throwing some big party—tons of guests.

Soon as she saw me, she lit up.

"Rena! Come over here!"

Coraline. Bradley's mom. My mom's best friend.

After my mom died, she kinda stepped in like family.