I could cover Mom's medical bills myself.
I could work to pay off every cent of that debt.
Even if it took the rest of my life.
Even if it drained everything I had.
Anything was better than suffering by Curtis's side forever.
My words caught him off guard—a flicker of shock crossed his face.
But it vanished just as quickly, replaced by that familiar arrogance. That look of a man who believed he controlled everything.
He pulled Margot behind him and looked down at me.
"Emma, stop being ridiculous."
"You know how trashed your reputation is right now."
"Leave me, and your life is over. You'll never recover."
"Just do as I say. Apologizing to Margot is for your own good."
My life was already in ruins because of him.
How much worse could it get?
This time, I was done bowing my head.
I refused to look at the fake affection in his eyes. I shook off his hand and walked out without looking back.
On my way, Curtis flooded my phone with messages.
He still didn't know I'd learned the truth.
He kept urging me to apologize to Margot, insisting it was all for my benefit.
I ignored every one. But as I turned a corner, someone stepped into my path.
"Ms. Henson, you're suspected of intentional assault. Please come with us for questioning."
They showed me footage of me hitting Margot. The options: kneel and apologize publicly, or pay $300,000 in settlement.
Curtis, ever the devoted husband protecting his image, wired the money without hesitation.
He said he'd handle everything for me.
I was still wondering what game he was playing when the lawyer placed a video in front of me.
"Ms. Henson, we just received word from the hospital. Your mother is in critical condition and needs $300,000 for emergency surgery."
"Conveniently, Ms. Pruitt's settlement is also $300,000."
"So—would you like to apologize to Ms. Pruitt? Or watch your mother die?"
Mom's face on the screen was pale as paper. My hands wouldn't stop shaking.
Curtis pretended to love me. Pretended he'd solve all my problems.
While using my mother's life as leverage to force me to my knees before Margot.
He was the greatest actor in the world.
One performance after another of false devotion.
My heart twisted violently.
The tears I'd been holding back finally fell.
But in the end, I slowly closed my eyes and made the most humiliating choice of my life.
"I'll apologize."
I couldn't let Mom die because of me.
Surrounded by mocking stares.
Surrounded by cruel whispers.
I bent my knees and lowered myself to the ground.
Margot wore that same triumphant smile.
Only now, fresh marks dotted her neck—the kind lovers leave behind.
She leaned close and whispered.
"A-list star, on her knees, begging for forgiveness."
"Emma, how will you ever show your face again?"
"Whatever. Your life's been over for a while now."
"I can't be bothered with you anymore. I've got a new gift from Curtis to unwrap."
I watched her walk away, then made my way back to the Seaside Villa alone.
The moment I stepped through the door, Agnes Lambert rushed toward me, her face stricken.
"Ma'am, where have you been?"
"The hospital called. They said... they said your mother just passed away."
"I went to ask what happened. They told me the surgery payment was held back. That's why she didn't make it..."
