Before he could say more, the sound of a car pulling into the driveway echoed outside.
Headlights flashed through the bedroom window.
Chloe instantly began shaking.
“She’s home,” she whispered. “Dad… please hide me.”
Victor didn’t hide her.
Instead, he gently helped her onto the bed and handed her his phone.
“Lock the door,” he said quietly. “Don’t open it unless I call you with our secret code.”
Then he walked downstairs.
The front door opened moments later. Natalie, his wife, stepped inside carrying a shopping bag.
She stopped when she saw him standing in the dim living room.
“Victor? You’re home early?” she said with a nervous laugh. “You scared me. Why are the lights off?”
Victor spoke calmly.
“Chloe says her back hurts.”
Natalie’s smile faded instantly.
“Oh that,” she said quickly. “She slipped on the stairs while I was bringing groceries in. I told her not to bother you about it—you’ve been stressed enough already.”
“She didn’t fall,” Victor replied quietly. “You pushed her. Into the closet.”
Natalie placed the bag down slowly.
“You’re believing an eight-year-old over your own wife?” she snapped. “You’re never here. You don’t know what it’s like dealing with her all day.”