Ann stood at the kitchen counter, cutting vegetables with calm hands, but her heart beat fast inside her chest. Victor Knight came to stay with them. Richard had invited him to stay for a few days, hoping his father would see the truth with his own eyes. Ann had agreed reluctantly. It wasn’t easy. Victor didn’t speak much to her. When he did, his words were short and cold. His eyes were always watching, judging. Ann could feel it every time she walked into the room. But she had made a decision. She would not run. She would not cry again. She would not hide in the bedroom or tiptoe. She would show him who she really was, not with arguments or anger, but with quiet strength. She would show him that love was not weakness. It was her greatest strength.
On the first morning, Victor walked into
