Chapter 1: The Eviction Notice
Brenda laughed.
A slow, dismissive laugh that echoed through the living room as though Marcus had just told a childish joke.
"You can't be serious."
Marcus didn't answer.
He carefully lifted Lily from Maya's exhausted arms. The little girl whimpered against his shoulder, her fever burning through her tiny pajamas.
Maya finally allowed herself to breathe.
For the first time in days, someone had stepped between her and the constant pressure she had been carrying alone.
Marcus kissed Lily's forehead.
"One hundred and three."
His voice remained calm.
Then he looked toward Maya.
"When did her fever start?"
"This morning."
"You didn't tell me."
She forced a weak smile.
"I didn't want to distract you during your business trip."
Marcus's jaw tightened.
His eyes slowly moved toward the untouched bottle of children's medicine sitting exactly where Maya had left it.
He turned back to his mother.
"Who bought this medicine?"
"Maya did," Brenda answered.
"And who gave it to Lily?"
Silence.
Marcus already knew the answer.
"You watched my pregnant wife care for a sick child by herself while the two of you relaxed."
Rachel rolled her eyes.
"Oh please. You're acting like we committed a crime."
Marcus unlocked his phone.
"I asked you to leave."
Neither woman moved.
Instead, Brenda folded her arms.
"This house belongs to the family."
Marcus nodded.
"You're right."
He pressed Call.
"Hello, David."
The family's attorney answered immediately.
"I need emergency occupancy papers prepared."
Brenda frowned.
"What are you doing?"
Marcus never looked at her.
May you like
"I'm revoking every permission you've ever had to stay in this house."
Her smile disappeared.
