Chapter 2Turning His Lies Into Life Sentences

Mark squeezed my hand one last time, his eyes brimming with performative depth. "I’m sorry, Natalie. It’s all on you now. Take care of Ben."

He turned to leave.

My pulse hammered. I put on my best "shattered wife" face and cried out, "Mom, wait! Even if he did something wrong, he’s still your son!"

I wiped a fake tear. "Let me take him. I have a friend who’s a high-profile defense attorney. Maybe we can find a way to get the charges reduced, or at least negotiate a plea."

I was lying through my teeth. I didn’t know a single lawyer. I just wanted to see them squirm.

"No!"

The rejection was instantaneous and synchronized. Both Mark and Diane barked the word at the same time.

Diane cleared her throat, her expression shifting into a strained smile. "Natalie, honey, your back has been bothering you all day. The drive is long and stressful. We’ll handle the paperwork. Stay here with Ben."

I tilted my head, narrowing my eyes. "Mom, you’re being so insistent. You’re making me think Mark is making this all up just to mess with me."

At the mention of "lying," Ben looked down at his plate, refusing to meet my eyes.

Diane’s face hardened into a scowl. "How can you say that? Your husband is trying to save his soul, and you’re accusing him of playing games? You’re just looking for an excuse to abandon him!"

Mark looked wounded. "Natalie, I know raising Ben alone is a lot to ask, but why would I lie about something this horrific?"

He took a deep breath, looking like a man ready to walk into a firing squad.

"Natalie, after I’m gone... you should move on. Remarry. Leave Ben with my mother. I won’t have you shackled to a prisoner. I’ve already left the divorce papers on the desk."

"Daddy... don’t leave me!" Ben wailed, hugging Mark’s leg.

It was a goddamn masterpiece. If I weren't the one being fleeced, I would have given them a standing ovation. Oscar-worthy performances all around.

I nodded slowly, pulling out my phone. "You're right. It’s too much for Mom to handle. I’ll just call the police right now. They can come pick him up. It’ll save everyone a trip."