Chapter 4 - Garrett Had Been Getting Worse for Months
Garrett wasn’t always openly violent.
That was what made it so hard for Maren to admit what her marriage had become.
He excelled at keeping every cruelty just shy of undeniable.
A hand clamped too tightly around her wrist.
A door shut inches from her face.
A humiliating remark delivered with a smile so outsiders heard only teasing.
If she protested, he called her dramatic.
If she cried, he called her unstable.
If Judith noticed, Garrett said her mother was trying to poison the marriage.
The first time he shoved Maren in anger, he apologized the next morning with flowers and a weekend trip.
The second time, he blamed stress.
The third time, he said she drove him to it.
Maren didn’t tell anyone about the first three.
But Judith suspected.
Mothers often do.
Three months before the gala, Judith had asked her bluntly, “Has he ever put his hands on you?”
Maren lied.
“No.”
Judith looked unconvinced.
And from that day on, Judith started watching Garrett more carefully than ever.
Apparently, Garrett noticed.
May you like
Apparently, Evelyn did too.
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