It moved.

Ethan saw it—but said nothing.

He leaned close and whispered,
“Mom, don’t move. I already called for help.”

“What did you say?” Ryan snapped.

“I said I love her.”

Claire reached into her purse.

“The notary is downstairs.”

Ryan grabbed my hand tightly.

“You’re signing those papers, Emily. One way or another.”

But I wasn’t dying anymore.

I was waiting.

Five minutes later, there was a knock.

“That must be the notary,” Claire said.

The door opened.

But the voice that followed wasn’t a notary’s.

“Good evening, Ryan. Before you touch her again, explain why her brakes were cut.”

Everything stopped.

And I realized—

this was only the beginning.