“Your mother is gone. Tears won’t bring her back—so wipe your face, make dinner, and don’t look like a grieving child when my guests arrive.” That was what my husband said.

I approached the couple who were still arguing. My steps were quiet, but each one silenced them. Perhaps the aura of authority I had inherited from Mrs. Vance now ran through my veins. I looked directly into Jessica’s eyes. The woman instantly lowered her head, not daring to meet my gaze. She had looked down on me before for my simple appearance, but now she seemed very small before me. I spoke in a low but powerful voice. I told Jessica that I had known everything for a long time, but I had kept silent, hoping Mark would change, but it turned out my silence had only emboldened them. I pointed to the plates of food scattered on the table, the same food Jessica had tasted and despised earlier.