We drove in silence, the cityscape blurring past, until Damian spoke, his voice low but firm. “You deserve better than this, Lena. I’ve watched you bend over backward to fit into their world, but today that ends.”

His words were like a balm, soothing the raw edges of my emotions. For years, I had tried to make peace with Kenneth’s family, to be the wife they expected, to keep the harmony that never truly existed. But today, that facade had shattered.

Damian continued, “I’ve arranged for you to stay at the penthouse until you decide your next steps. There’s no rush. Take your time to heal and think.”