He still didn't know I'd learned the truth.
He kept urging me to apologize to Margot, insisting it was all for my benefit.
I ignored every one. But as I turned a corner, someone stepped into my path.
"Ms. Henson, you're suspected of intentional assault. Please come with us for questioning."
They showed me footage of me hitting Margot. The options: kneel and apologize publicly, or pay $300,000 in settlement.
Curtis, ever the devoted husband protecting his image, wired the money without hesitation.
He said he'd handle everything for me.
I was still wondering what game he was playing when the lawyer placed a video in front of me.
"Ms. Henson, we just received word from the hospital. Your mother is in critical condition and needs $300,000 for emergency surgery."
"Conveniently, Ms. Pruitt's settlement is also $300,000."
"So—would you like to apologize to Ms. Pruitt? Or watch your mother die?"
Mom's face on the screen was pale as paper. My hands wouldn't stop shaking.
Curtis pretended to love me. Pretended he'd solve all my problems.
While using my mother's life as leverage to force me to my knees before Margot.
He was the greatest actor in the world.
One performance after another of false devotion.