Chapter 2
Scarlett and I both grew up as only children, showered with love and attention. We had never experienced such emotional neglect before. When leadership is flawed, those beneath often follow suit. Without Harrison and his brother's influence, would anyone dare to mock us so openly? This lifestyle isn't for us, nor for anyone we care about. So we decided to take action. We consulted with lawyers to draft divorce papers and searched worldwide for new business ventures.
Scarlett and I were so engrossed in our flurry of activities that the brothers remained completely oblivious. If they don't care about us, why would they even notice? We figured that even if we disappeared, they might not realize it.
From that day on, we stopped watching to see what time they came home. We each went about our own lives and found it surprisingly liberating. Late one night, Harrison returned from entertaining clients, smelling of alcohol. Yet, he produced a takeout box from behind him and handed it to me.
It was my favorite dish, a savory treat from Frank's Deli. Holding me, he urged me to eat it quickly. As I opened the box, he leaned in close, mentioning the long queue he'd stood in to get it, and asked how I planned to reward him. I gave him a dismissive glance and chose to ignore him, focusing on my meal instead.
Undeterred, he wrapped an arm around my waist, holding me close. His warm breath tickled my ear, just as it always had. After so many years of love, I knew him too well. Every time he messed up, he'd try to charm his way back. Not once had he broken this routine.
As dawn broke, he held me close, sleeping soundly. Listening to his even breaths and taking in his familiar scent, my heart felt hollow, a sharp ache that wouldn't go away.
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