I wandered and found myself by the river again. I had brought some wine and arranged for my mother-in-law to pick Ava up. Then, I settled by the river to pour myself a drink.

I realized the company had become an empty shell, its sole purpose to fill the Murphys’ wallet. Meanwhile, I was empty-handed. No wonder Melanie could taunt me so confidently. Although I married into the family, I wasn’t part of their world.

Even now, Melanie and Matthew didn’t spare my meager possessions. They would inva