I never told my “mama boy” husband that I was the one who bought back his house and paid off all his debts. He believed his mother had saved him, while I was nothing more than a useless housewife. On Christmas Day, I spent the entire day preparing dinner, yet his mother refused to let me sit at the table. “You look filthy. I can’t enjoy my meal if I have to look at your face,” she said. I went to change my clothes and sat down again—only to be shoved so hard. “Don’t you understand? My mother doesn’t want to eat with you.” Blood streamed from my head, but they pretended not to see it. I calmly picked up my phone and called the police. “I’d like to report a crime,” I said. “Illegal trespassing and assault.”

Editoron

Chapter 3: “Illegal Trespassing”

“911, what is your emergency?”

The operator’s voice was calm, a lifeline in the chaotic room.

“My name is Elena Vance,” I said, my voice steady despite the blood soaking the napkin. “I am at 4202 Maple Drive. I have been physically assaulted. I have a head wound that is bleeding profusely. There are two intruders in my home who are refusing to leave.”

Mark let out a bark of incredulous laughter. “Intruders? Are you insane?”

He stepped toward me, looming over where I sat on the floor. “Hang up the phone, Elena. Stop acting crazy.”

“Ma’am, are you safe?” the operator asked.

“For the moment,” I said. “Please send officers immediately. And an ambulance.”

I ended the call and tossed the phone onto the table. I used the table leg to pull myself up. I swayed, dizzy, but I locked my knees and stood my ground.

“You really did it now,” Mark shook his head, looking at his mother. “She called the cops. Can you believe this psycho?”

“She needs to be committed,” Agnes sniffed, dabbing at her mouth. “Calling the police on her own husband in his own house. Tell them to leave when they get here, Mark. Tell them she slipped.”

“This isn’t your house, Mark,” I said. The blood was dripping onto the collar of my dress now.

“Oh, shut up,” Mark rolled his eyes. “My mom saved this house when my business went under. Everyone knows that. It’s her house; she just lets us live here.”

“Is that what she told you?” I asked.

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