Chapter 3: The Truth Unfolds
Later that evening, after Lily had finally drifted to sleep, Mark walked into the kitchen. Lena was sitting at the island, sipping a mug of chamomile tea. The stove had been turned off long ago, the ruined dinner discarded.
Mark sat on the stool next to her and took her free hand. "Tell me what happened," he said gently.
Lena took a deep breath, her eyes downcast. "She came over unannounced. Chloe was with her. I was just trying to make dinner, but your mother started criticizing everything. The food, the way the house looked, how I was raising Lily."
She paused, a fresh tear sliding down her cheek. "I asked her to stop. I told her I was tired and pregnant and just wanted to cook in peace. She got so angry, Mark. She started yelling, telling me I was useless, that I trapped you. When I turned to walk away, she grabbed my arm and shoved me hard against the counter. That’s when Lily ran in."
Mark’s blood boiled all over again. He looked at the subtle red mark forming on Lena’s forearm. He felt a wave of nausea at the thought of his mother physically assaulting his pregnant wife.
"I am so sorry, Lena," Mark whispered, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "I am so sorry I wasn't here. I knew she was difficult, but I never thought she would cross a line like this."
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"What are we going to do?" Lena asked, her voice trembling.
"We are done," Mark said firmly. "They are cut off. No calls, no visits, no holidays. My priority is you, Lily, and this baby. I will not let them poison our home."
