Chapter 5 - THE WOMAN WHO OWNED NOTHING
Callahan had always believed I was ordinary.
A woman with no powerful family.
No expensive connections.
No money beyond the little house my adoptive father left me.
He liked that.
At first, I thought it was because he valued simplicity.
Later, I realized he valued control.
When we married, he encouraged me to leave my job as a forensic-document examiner.
He said we should focus on building his legal career.
He told me I could return to work later.
After we bought a larger apartment.
After he became partner.
After his schedule settled.
There was always another after.
Now, sitting beside my brothers, I realized how carefully my world had narrowed.
Gabriel looked at me.
“Eloise.”
I looked up.
“You don't have to go back to him.”
I swallowed.
“I know.”
Julian leaned forward.
“We're not here to make decisions for you.”
Nathaniel nodded.
“We're here to make sure you get to make them.”
My eyes filled.
For a moment, I remembered Henry Bennett.
The man who had adopted me.
The man who taught me that love should never feel like a threat.
I looked at my brothers.
Then whispered:
“I want my life back.”
May you like
Gabriel took my hand.
“Then that's what we're going to help you rebuild.”
