Chapter 2: The Family Falls Apart
Chapter 2: The Family Falls Apart
Claire spent twelve days in the hospital.
Skin grafts.
Physical therapy.
Endless pain.
Yet the emotional wound hurt even more.
Daniel visited every day.
She refused to let him inside.
Finally, on the eighth day, she agreed to speak with him.
"I froze," Daniel admitted quietly.
"I know."
"I never thought she'd actually hurt you."
Claire stared at him.
"You watched me burn."
Tears filled his eyes.
"I'll testify."
"You shouldn't have to testify against your sister."
"I have to."
Claire slowly shook her head.
"No."
He looked confused.
"You should have protected your wife."
Those words broke him far more deeply than any courtroom ever would.
Three weeks later, Claire filed for divorce.
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Daniel signed the papers without contest.
He knew he had already lost her the moment he chose silence.
