The blow snapped my head to the side. My ears rang. Pain exploded through my cheekbone, and I crumpled to the floor.
Tears streamed down my face. I would never forget how heavy that slap was. The humiliation spread through me like poison, seeping into every corner of my chest.
Mabel clapped a hand over her mouth in feigned shock. But I saw it clearly: the smile curling at the corners of her lips. Victory.
I pressed my trembling fingers to my burning cheek.
Guy stood frozen for a moment after striking me, his arm hanging stiff at his side. His lips parted as if he wanted to say something.
Then Mabel whimpered in his arms, crying out in pain, and whatever flicker of hesitation he'd had vanished. He scooped her up and rushed toward the emergency room without a backward glance.
I sat on the cold hospital floor, every ounce of hatred and agony collapsing into one hollow, bitter smile.
I didn't know how long I stayed there before I finally dragged myself to my feet and walked home on numb legs, mechanical as a wind-up toy winding down.
At the front door, I picked up the divorce papers and placed them on the nightstand.
Seven days. Seven more days, and I'd be free. I didn't hesitate.