His face was a mask of calm determination, a stark contrast to the chaos swirling around us. “Vanessa,” he began, his voice steady and resonant, “I served five years in the military, protecting our home and our values. I know justice and integrity better than most. If Reic has an ounce of either, he’ll understand the importance of family. If he doesn’t, it’s a battle I’m willing to fight.”
Vanessa’s eyes darted to her brother—Reic—who had never been challenged in such a direct manner before. His arrogance crumbled when confronted with Thaddius’s unwavering resolve. He shifted nervously but said nothing, sensing the unspoken threat that lay beneath Thaddius’s calm exterior.
I watched, heart brimming with pride and gratitude, as Thaddius stood up for me. I had spent so many nights alone, replaying the events that led to my current predicament: the sudden death of my husband, the unscrupulous deals that saw our home slip away, and the false sense of security I was promised in exchange for my compliance. But now, as I looked into my son’s eyes, I saw hope, something I thought I had long lost.
