A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 6

Frank's brow furrowed slightly. "You mean Elissa?"

"That's right."

Marcia bit her lower lip. "Do you know why Hickey ruined Grandpa's last painting? It was because she deliberately egged him on."

"Mom's right!" Hickey pouted, his lashes wet with tears. "Uncle, Aunt Elissa tried to scare me again today. She told me that a monster who'd eat my arm was hiding inside that painting. That's why I—"

"That's impossible."

Frank cut him off, reaching out to ruffle Hickey's hair with gentle affection. "Hickey, are you sure you didn't mishear? Your Aunt Elissa is the kindest one in our family. She already told you last night she wasn't mad at you anymore. She wouldn't try to frighten you again."

"And besides, Grandpa adored her when he was alive. She'd never mess around with his paintings."

He directed those last words at Marcia.

Marcia stared at him in disbelief. "Are you saying Hickey and I are making this up to slander her?"

"Frank! You've changed so much!"

The accusation made something hot flare in Frank's chest, but as he met her disappointed gaze, he forced himself to stay calm. "Marcia, I haven't changed—not one bit."

She fixed him with a cold look. "Can you honestly say you've never felt anything for Elissa? That you've never touched her, not even once?"

Frank had always believed he had a clear conscience before her. But faced with this question, the words caught in his throat.

His back stiffened, lashes lowered. "I haven't touched her."

If anyone owed Elissa an apology, it was him.

—"I haven't touched her."

She turned, lifting the box with a small shake. "A present."

"A present? Is it someone's birthday today?"

"It's for our third wedding anniversary. I was going to give it to you."

"Elissa, I'm sorry—"

"It's fine. You've been busy, it's normal to forget."

She looked at him with that same clear, unwavering gaze as always, and handed him the box. Her voice was soft, almost gentle. "Anyway, your birthday's in a couple of weeks. You can count it as an early gift."

"Frank, happy birthday—early."

And quietly, to herself: Here's to me, too. Happy divorce.