“Then drown.” His shove sent me plunging into icy water.
The sea closed over my head. Salt scorched my throat. My limbs flailed uselessly.
“Apologize!” his voice thundered above.
Gasping, I sputtered, “I’m sorry! I’m sorry, Sally! Just don’t let me die—”
Her fake concern churned my stomach. “Darren, save her. Even if she tried to kill me, I won’t hold it against her.”
He barked for his men. They dragged me back up, my body convulsing with cold.
At the hospital, the doctor protested. “She’s too weak to donate blood.”
“She’ll do it,” Darren growled. “Drain her if you have to.”
The needle pierced my arm. Vial after vial emptied me, my consciousness slipping.
****
Two days later, I woke up.
Alone.
They’d gone on a picnic. The family photo Sally posted online looked… perfect. Like I’d never existed.
I packed my suitcases. On the coffee table, I placed three documents Darren couldn’t ignore. Then I called a realtor.
“Yes. Sell the house. Immediately.”
By the time I checked into a hotel, the deed was done. I watched from the balcony as Darren’s car pulled in below. Sally clung to his arm.
I tipped the receptionist, obtained their room number, and called the police.