Chapter 5
PART 5:
So Audrey waited.
She listened.
She watched.
And Dominic showed the truth without being asked.
He stopped paying some of her medical bills on time even though he could afford them.
He moved money from their joint account.
He told Natalie that “once Audrey signs,” they would be done with “the charity case.”
Audrey found that message the night before she went into labor.
The words did not surprise her.
That was what hurt most.
Charity case.
That was how he had seen her all along.
A poor orphan with no family.
A woman he could marry, control, betray, and discard without resistance.
Now he stood in her hospital room, holding the envelope like a weapon, while Natalie wore Audrey’s stolen coat.
The old man took one step forward.
“Answer me,” he said.
Dominic swallowed.
“This is a misunderstanding.”
The lawyer beside the old man opened a folder.
“No, Mr. Vale. It appears to be quite clear.”
Dominic looked at the lawyer.
Then at the security officers.
Then back at Audrey.
“Audrey, tell them.”
Audrey stared at him.
For years, those words had worked.
Tell them it’s fine.
Tell them I didn’t mean it.
Tell them you misunderstood.
Tell them you’re emotional.
Tell them I’m still a good man.
This time, Audrey looked down at her babies.
One of them had stopped crying.
The other had curled a tiny hand against her chest.
Audrey lifted her eyes.
“No.”
Dominic’s face hardened.
Natalie stepped back toward the wall.
The old man looked at the coat again.
His eyes narrowed.
“Where did you get that?”
Natalie touched the collar like she could hide inside it.
“I don’t know what you mean.”
Audrey’s voice was quiet.
“She took it from my nursery.”
Natalie scoffed.
“That’s ridiculous.”
Audrey looked at the nurse standing near the door.
“Inside pocket,” she said. “Left side.”
The nurse hesitated, then looked at security.
The officer nodded.
Natalie backed away.
“Don’t touch me.”
The lawyer said calmly, “Then remove the coat.”
Natalie’s face flushed.
Dominic snapped, “This is harassment.”
The old man’s voice dropped.
“No. Harassment is throwing divorce papers at a woman recovering from premature labor while calling her children runts.”
Dominic went silent.
Natalie slowly removed the coat and handed it over like it was burning her hands.
The nurse checked the inside pocket.
Two tiny letters.
Embroidered in blue.
The twins’ initials.
Audrey closed her eyes.
That small proof hurt more than she expected.
Not because of the coat.
May you like
Because it was one more thing Dominic had allowed to be taken from her.
👉 But when Dominic tried to claim Audrey had no choice, her grandfather proved the room no longer belonged to him.
