The next morning, I walked downstairs, my heart steady but alert. I found Dad and Teresa already seated in the dining room. Dad looked up, faking surprise like an actor in a bad stage play. I smiled internally as I decided to play along.
“You came back,” he said, his voice trembling more than usual. It was clear he was laying it on thick for Teresa’s benefit, trying to appear more fragile than he actually was.
“And I’m here to stay,” I said, slipping into the seat beside him with a calm I didn’t fully feel.
“She is not staying,” Teresa cut in sharply from across the table.
“Why?” I asked, already knowing she would twist it into something ugly.
“Because you are married. You are not divorced yet,” she snapped, her eyes cold and sharp.
I took a breath, keeping my tone even. “About the d
