Magnus and Ingrid had taken everything from me—my love, my trust, my child. I had planned to leave silently, but after witnessing their betrayal firsthand, I knew I couldn’t just disappear like a wounded animal. No, they needed to know that the Astrid they had broken would rise again, stronger than ever.
I left my letter on the bedside table, the ink still fresh.
To my dearest husband,
I wish you and Ingrid all the happiness in the world. You deserve each other—two backstabbers bound by deceit. May your love be as strong as the lies you built it on.
Do not come look for me. This is the last time you will ever see me as the woman who loved you. The next time we meet, Magnus, I will not be your wife.
I will be your downfall.
—Astrid.
I slid my wedding ring off my finger and placed it on top of the letter. It gleamed under the dim candlelight, a final mockery of the love I once thought was real.
Taking a deep breath, I grabbed my bag and slipped through the shadows of the house. My heart pounded as I reached the back entrance, my mind racing with the knowledge that if I was caught, Magnus would never let me go.