“The children won’t be my problem for long. There are options for that.”
Something inside Daniel broke cleanly.
When the call ended, Claire turned back to the children.
“You won’t say a word to your father,” she said quietly. “No one would believe you.”
“I will.”
Daniel stepped into the room.
Claire spun around, color draining from her face.
The children ran to him instantly. Daniel knelt and pulled them close, feeling their bodies shake against him.
“How long,” he asked calmly, his voice firm and controlled, “has this been happening.”
Claire stammered. “Daniel, you’re misunderstanding—”
“There’s nothing to misunderstand,” he said. “I heard everything.”
She took a step forward. Daniel raised his hand.
“This is over,” he said. “You will leave today.”
“You can’t be serious,” she whispered.
“I am,” he replied. “And if you ever contact my children again, there will be consequences.”
Claire packed her things in silence. The door closed behind her with a quiet finality.
Daniel held his children until their breathing steadied.
“You’re safe,” he told them. “I promise.”
That night, the house felt lighter. As sunlight faded and warmth returned to the rooms, Daniel understood something clearly.