Chapter 2 - Arthur Shows Me the Real Contract
Arthur did not reach for me after he locked the office door.
He reached for the wall safe.
That somehow frightened me more.
He entered six numbers, opened the steel door, and removed a thick cream
envelope with my new name written across the front.
MRS. EMILY PENDELTON.
My hands went cold.
“What is that?”
“The reason I married you.”
I stared at him.
“I thought Caleb’s surgery was the reason.”
“That was your reason.”
Arthur placed the envelope on his desk.
“Mine is inside.”
I almost walked out.
Then he said something that stopped me.
“Before you open it, you need to know Caleb’s hospital bill was paid
this morning. Surgery, rehabilitation, follow-up care. Everything.”
My knees nearly gave out.
“How much?”
“That doesn’t matter.”
“It matters to me.”
“Then repay me by listening.”
Inside the envelope was not a marriage contract.
It was a photograph.
Arthur was twenty years younger in it.
Beside him stood a woman I recognized immediately.
My mother.
Arthur tapped the photograph.
“Your mother worked for me.”
I could barely speak.
“My mother died when I was twelve.”
“I know.”
Then he turned the photograph over.
In my mother’s handwriting were six words:
Arthur, if anything happens, protect Emily.
I looked up.
May you like
Arthur’s eyes were wet.
“That,” he whispered, “is what you really signed for.”
