"Maybe she shouldn't be bending over so much. She just had surgery."
Janine snorted a laugh. "You’re too kind. Let her clean. She needs to learn respect."
I kept silent. Silence was the only dignity I had left.
When the room was spotless, I escaped to mine. I washed the cuts I had, then sank into a bath so hot it burned.
But when I lay back on the bed, a familiar perfume clung to the sheets. Not mine. Sally’s.
The door opened. Darren strolled in, so casual, as if he hadn't torn me apart hours ago.
"Has Sally been sleeping here?" My voice came out cold.
Before he could answer, she appeared in the doorway, not bothering to knock. Her lilac silk robe hung loose on her frame. My robe.
"Darren," she cooed, "can I stay with you again? The thunder tonight—it terrifies me." Then her eyes slid to me, sparkling with mockery. "Oh… I forgot Eliana’s back."
Darren’s face flushed. "Honey, don’t be upset. The weather’s been wild, and Sally needs to be close to the nursery. Just temporary."
I stared at him, then at the robe. "You’re letting her wear my clothes now?"
Sally pouted. "Oh, Darren said I could. Mine was ruined last night when water spilled."
Darren's eyes begged me. "I'll buy you ten more.