Chapter 3: The Kingdom Falls
Chapter 3: The Kingdom Falls
Daniel was placed in handcuffs for domestic assault.
He struggled.
"You can't arrest me over one slap!"
The senior officer looked him directly in the eyes.
"We're arresting you because assault is a crime."
"And because the victim wishes to press charges."
Vivian rushed toward me.
"You ungrateful girl!"
"My son sacrificed everything for you!"
I almost smiled.
"Sacrificed?"
"He quit his own job."
"He spent my salary."
"He lived in my apartment."
"And somehow convinced himself he was the provider."
Her expression cracked.
She realized everyone in the room now knew the truth.
The officers informed both of them that, because neither had any legal ownership of the apartment, they would need to collect essential belongings after processing and could not remain on the property without my permission.
Daniel stared around the luxurious penthouse.
The marble floors.
The wine cellar.
The grand piano.
Everything he had proudly shown off to friends.
Everything he had claimed as his own.
None of it belonged to him.
As the officers escorted him toward the elevator, he turned back.
"You'll regret this."
I shook my head.
"No."
"I regret waiting three years."
The elevator doors closed.
The silence that followed felt lighter than any sound I'd heard in years.
May you like
For the first time...
The apartment actually felt like home.
