I heard footsteps, bare, quick, rushing up the stairs. Seconds later, the girls’ bedroom door shut too hard.
I stood there, holding my breath, the weight of her words sinking in. I couldn’t even move toward the kitchen. I didn’t want her to know I was there. I just needed to hear more. I needed to know more.
I needed to be sure before I reacted.
Then I heard Jenna again — her tone changing, like she’d flipped a switch, that’s how I knew she was on a call with one of her friends.
« They’re finally gone, » Jenna said. Her voice was light now, almost breathless, like she’d taken off a mask. « Karen, I swear I’m losing my mind. I have to play perfect mom all day. And it’s exhausting. »
She laughed softly, a sound I hadn’t heard from her in weeks. I wondered what Karen had said. There was a pause, then her tone turned sharper.
« He’s still dragging his feet on the wedding, » she continued. « I know it’s because of the girls. But once he adopts them, they’re legally his problem, not mine. That’s why I need them gone. We have an interview coming up with the social worker soon. »
I pressed my hand against the wall to steady myself.
« The house? The insurance money? It should be for us! I just need James to wake up and smell the coffee… and put my name on the deed. And after that, I don’t really care what happens to those girls. I’ll make their lives miserable until he gives in. And then this naïve man will think it was his idea all along. »
My breath caught in my throat. How was I going to marry this horrible woman?
