“So you punished us instead.”
He couldn’t answer.
I stepped back.
“Go. Now.”
“Liza…”
“If you want another conversation, you come here without excuses and answer everything.”
“So you punished us instead.”
I closed the door.
Behind me, Mom held out her arms.
I handed her Evie because my hands were shaking.
“What did he say?”
I looked at my daughter.
“He has another one.”
“What did he say?”
Mom’s face changed.
“And somehow, that’s only the beginning of this nightmare.”
Two days later, Ben asked to meet without Diane.
I agreed because I wanted facts.
I brought a notebook.
He noticed it immediately.
“What’s that?”
Mom’s face changed.
“The part where I stop relying on whatever version you decide to give me.”
“Ask me anything, Liza. Anything.”
“What exactly did Claire say?”
“She wanted to meet me.”
“I want the message.”
His face tightened.
