Chapter 7
Madison gave a statement that night.
Not out of kindness.
Out of self-preservation.
She said Daniel told her I was emotionally unstable.
That I neglected Lily because of work.
That I planned to leave Texas.
That I would use Lily to punish him.
That the court form was only a “temporary safety document.”
She admitted she came to the house because Daniel said I would sign faster if I saw they had already prepared Lily’s things.
“She was supposed to be scared,” Madison whispered.
Karen looked at her.
“Who was supposed to be scared?”
Madison looked at me.
“Emily.”
My hand tightened around Lily’s.
Daniel had not lost control.
He had designed a scene to break mine.
He brought Madison into my living room.
Let her threaten my child.
Packed Lily’s bag.
Prepared a fake court form.
Waited for me to come home.
He wanted me emotional.
He wanted me reactive.
He wanted footage of me slapping Madison.
And yes.
I had slapped her.
After she slapped me.
After she grabbed my daughter.
After my husband watched.
Karen leaned toward me and whispered, “Breathe. Self-defense and defense of a child are not the same as instability.”
May you like
I nodded.
But my hands would not stop shaking.
