I looked at the face in the mirror. Not young anymore. I looked at my hands under the faucet. No longer soft. My chest felt like it was going to split open.
But I couldn't lose control. Sneaking around in my home wasn't enough for Aileen anymore. She wanted to watch me unravel with her own eyes, wanted to see jealousy strip me of every last shred of dignity. That would be her victory.
I wasn't going to give her the satisfaction.
I splashed water on my face. Told myself to stay calm.
"Something came up. I have to go."
The door slammed shut behind me. Mrs. Whitney Sr. had thrown it closed.
And something inside me closed with it.
I buried my face in my hands. Tears slipped through the cracks between my fingers.
Everything I'd given to this family over the years. What had any of it been worth?
Jayden announced another business trip, same as always.
This time, I didn't pack his suitcase.
I knew I had to do something.
Before this family fell apart completely.
I needed more leverage.
The moment he left, I went to his office.
He'd always told me the commute was too long, that he was too busy, that I shouldn't bother coming to see him. So I never had.
"Excuse me, is Jayden Whitney in?"