"You're Done?" Daniel's laugh was cold as he leaned against the doorframe. "You can't be serious."

I clutched the phone tightly, my lawyer's voice still echoing in my ears. "I've never been more serious about anything in my life."

Daniel's eyes narrowed to slits. "So you're throwing away everything Melissa arranged for you over a temper tantrum? All because a ten-year-old boy damaged your precious little music box?"

"He didn't just damage it. He destroyed the only thing I had left of my mother." My voice cracked. "That music box survived a house fire, Daniel. It was all I had left of her, and Ethan smashed it while looking me in the eyes."

"Maybe if you were worth anything as a stepmother, he wouldn't hate you so much," Daniel sneered, stepping closer. "The truth is, you can't handle a ten-year-old boy because you're too weak, too pathetic to be the woman Melissa thought you were. She'd be disgusted if she could see you now, running away like a coward when things get difficult."

"Don't you dare use her against me," I whispered, my voice breaking.

"Clean yourself up," he said, checking his watch. "The guests will be here in an hour. I won't have you embarrassing me tonight of all nights."

"I'm not going to the party."

Daniel grabbed my arm, fingers digging into my flesh until I winced. "Yes, you are. You'll put on a dress, fix your face, and smile like the dutiful wife Melissa wanted you to be. Or I'll make sure you leave this house with nothing but the clothes on your back."

He shoved me toward the bathroom and slammed the door.

I did dress up, but not for the party. I grabbed the torn blue dress and all the other clothes Ethan had destroyed over the years. The slashed painting of my wedding day. The shredded photo albums. The broken jewelry he'd taken hammers to.

I carried them to the fire pit in the backyard, away from the house where caterers were setting up for Melissa's birthday celebration. One by one, I threw the damaged items into the pit, watching the flames consume them.

Hours passed as I drove aimlessly around town. I wasn't ready to go back, but I had nowhere else to go. Eventually, the sun began to set, and I knew I couldn't avoid home forever.

As soon as I stepped through the front door, Daniel was there.

"How dare you?" he growled, grabbing my wrist hard enough to leave bruises. "I told you to be at the party. You embarrassed me in front of everyone."

"Let go of me."

"You think you can just walk out on your responsibilities? On your promise to Melissa?"

"It's over, Daniel. I'm leaving tomorrow."

His grip tightened. "You ungrateful bitch. After everything we've done for you."

"Done for me?" I laughed. "What exactly have you done for me except make my life hell?"

His hand struck my face before I could react.

He grabbed my shoulders and shoved me toward the street. I tripped on the curb and fell hard on the pavement.

"Since you're so eager to leave, why don't you spend the night out here with the rogues?" Daniel's voice was ice. "Maybe a few hours with the real predators will teach you some gratitude for the protection you've enjoyed."

The door slammed in my face. I heard the lock click.

"Daniel!" I pounded on the door. "This is ridiculous. Let me in!"

Silence.

The night air was cold against my skin. Somewhere in the darkness, I heard rustling of an animal and my heart pounded.

"Daniel, please," I called, my voice weaker now. "There are predators out here."

More rustling, closer this time, then a branch snapped.

I ran to the side of the house and tried the windows. All locked. The garage door was my only hope.

The garage was pitch black, the darkness pressing in from all sides. Strange noises echoed that made my skin crawl.

After hours of staying in the darkness, the door connecting to the house opened. Ethan stood there, his face half-lit by the hallway light, eyes gleaming with something that made my blood run cold.

"Enjoying the cold, Luna?" His voice dripped with anger. "The rogues haven't found you yet? What a disappointment."

"Ethan, please. Let me in."

"Why would I do that?" He sneered. "You're nothing but a cancerous growth where my mother should be. You infect everything you touch."

"It's dangerous out here," I whispered, hearing another growl from the darkness beyond.

"Good." The word sliced through me as he leaned closer. "I hope they tear you apart like cancer tore apart my mother. Piece by bloody piece. I want to hear you scream the way she did."

I recoiled back.

"I put wolfsbane around the property line," he whispered, eyes gleaming with malice. "To attract them. To make sure they find you tonight."

My heart stopped. "Ethan, you didn't—"

"I've been saving it for months. Every time you smiled at me like you belonged here. Every time you touched my father. Every time you tried to act like my mother." His eyes narrowed. "I want you dead. I've always wanted you dead."

I flinched at his raw hatred.

"You know what the best part is?" He leaned closer, his breath hot against my face. "Dad already has your replacement picked out. He's showing her all the things you were never good enough for."

"What are you talking about?"

Ethan's smile widened to a grin. "Dad's waiting for you. He has a special surprise."

He stepped back, holding the door open, and I had to follow him inside.

As I climbed the stairs, I heard it, the sounds of moans coming from our bedroom. Moans and whispers, the creak of our bed frame against the wall.

The noises stopped. Minutes later, the door opened and Daniel emerged with a woman I recognized immediately, Jennifer, Melissa's sister and the Beta female of their pack. Her blonde hair was disheveled, her lips swollen from kisses.

They both froze when they saw me. Then Jennifer smiled, not bothering to close her unbuttoned blouse.

"Kate," she purred. "How nice of you to finally join us."

Ethan appeared at the top of the stairs with satisfaction. He moved to stand beside Jennifer, who placed an arm around his shoulders.

"See? I told you we didn't need her," he leaned into Jennifer's embrace. "Can we get rid of her now? For good?"

I stood frozen in the doorway, my heart breaking into a thousand pieces. Not because I loved Daniel, but because this final betrayal confirmed what I'd always suspected: I was nothing but a substitute in this house.

"I'm so sorry for coming out of your room.” Jessica's voice dripped with fake innocence. “I was just called to look after Ethan while you were... indisposed. I hope you don't mind."

Before I could respond, Elaine, Daniel's mother, appeared behind them. Her hawk-like eyes took in the scene with satisfaction.

"She dares not mind," Elaine said. "You couldn't fulfill your responsibilities of taking care of my grandson. It's only right someone else takes over."

"Always running away when things get difficult, aren't you, Kate? Just like when Ethan needed attention today."

"I wasn't running away. I needed space after being locked outside like an animal," I said.

She clicked her tongue. "So dramatic. My son gave you everything—a home, security, a family name and this is how you repay him? By embarrassing us at Melissa's memorial?"

"Everything he gave me came with conditions attached," I whispered. "And that wasn't a memorial. It was a shrine to make sure I knew my place."

She laughed. "Your place? You never had a place here. You were always just keeping her spot warm." She turned to Daniel with a dismissive wave. "I don't know why you bothered with her when Jessica was always the better choice."

"Instead of standing here feeling sorry for yourself, why don't you go make yourself useful?" Her lips curled into a smile. "Go prepare dinner for all of us. At least pretend to earn your keep one last time."

Jessica touched Daniel's arm possessively. "I could cook instead. I know how to prepare Ethan's favorite pasta the way he likes it." She smiled at Daniel. "The way his mother used to make it."

"What a thoughtful idea," Daniel's mother patted Jessica's cheek. "You enjoy your time with him instead. The kitchen is where she belongs, out of sight."

She turned her cold eyes to me once more. "What are you waiting for? An engraved invitation to do your job?"

I was pushed toward the kitchen while they moved to the living room, their laughter echoing behind me.

As I prepared dinner, I could hear them in the dining room – the soft murmurs, the occasional giggle and the sound of kissing. Each noise was another reminder of my status as an outsider.

When dinner was finally ready, I retreated to my bedroom without a word, unable to bear watching them play family without me.

The divorce papers had arrived by courier that afternoon, sitting on my dresser. I pulled out my suitcase and began packing everything I could.

The door swung open without a knock, and Jessica stood there, watching me with curious eyes.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

I continued folding a sweater, not bothering to look up. "I'm packing.

"About time. Now I'll have Daniel all to myself without you lingering in the background like some pathetic ghost." Her smile widened.

"I don't care what you do with him. I'm done being everyone's emotional punching bag." I zipped my suitcase with finality.

"Well, how interesting. The doormat finally found her spine." She tilted her head.

Heavy footsteps approached and before I could respond, she dropped to her knees, grabbing my hands. "Please don't leave us! Trevor needs you, we all need you!"

Her performance was flawless. "Think about what people will say if you abandon this family!"

Daniel appeared in the doorway, his expression darkening as he took in the scene. "What's going on here?"

Jessica stood, smoothing her dress. "She wants to leave, and I'm trying to stop her from making a terrible mistake."

Daniel's eyes narrowed as he looked at my packed suitcase. "How dare you create more drama after hurting my son! Is this another ploy for attention and pity?"

"I'm not creating anything. I'm leaving," I said quietly, holding up the divorce papers. "These will be filed tomorrow morning."

He laughed, clearly believing I was bluffing. "And where will you go? Back to your pathetic apartment? Your dead-end job?"

"Anywhere is better than here."

Ethan appeared behind his father, his young face twisted with hatred beyond his years. "Let her go, Dad. I don't even want her here." His words sliced through the tension. "She's nothing but a leech, and I'm tired of seeing her face every day."

I smiled for the first time that night. "Thank you for your honesty, Ethan. Tell your father to move away from the door."

Daniel stepped aside as I grabbed my suitcase. "You'll regret this, Kate. Turn back before it's too late."

"I'll never regret leaving this prison," I replied, pushing past him.

I was halfway down the hallway when I heard the rush of footsteps behind me. Turning, I saw Ethan running toward me, his small hand clutching something familiar

"You can't leave!" Ethan shouted. "You need to pay for taking my mother's place!"

In his small hand was the delicate piece of my silver music box which he had broken.

"My real mom should be here, not you." His young voice trembled with hatred. "You need to disappear forever."

Before I could react, he ran forward, the sharp broken edge of the music box aimed at me. I moved backward toward the staircase, trying to avoid him.

"I hate you!" Ethan screamed, tears streaming down his face. "This is for my mother!"

With strength, he shoved me hard. I felt the emptiness behind me as I lost my balance at the top of the stairs.

The last thing I saw was his satisfied smile as I tumbled backward."Now she's gone," I heard him laugh as darkness claimed me. "Finally."

I was jerked awake by pain spreading across my chest and arms. My eyes flew open as I gasped, the shock of hot water burning my skin. Through the steam and my own tears, I saw Ethan standing over me, empty kettle in hand, smiling.

"Are you done pretending yet?". The kettle dangled from his small fingers, a few drops of hot water still dripping onto the floor.

I couldn't speak, couldn't breathe through the pain. My skin felt like it was melting off my body.

"My mom would be alive if it wasn't for you. You're just a replacement part that doesn't even fit right."

The burning sensation intensified as I struggled to sit up. "Ethan, why would you—"

"Stop saying my name like you know me," he spat. "You're nothing to me. Nothing!"

Something in me snapped. Five years of abuse, five years of trying to love a child who only wanted to hurt me. I lunged forward, reaching for his arm, wanting to shake some sense into him, to make him understand the pain he caused me daily.

But my legs were tangled in the sheets, and I fell forward instead. My arm caught on the edge of the bedside table, slicing open. Blood spurted from the wound, splashing across Ethan's face and white t-shirt.

Ethan's eyes widened in shock, and then he let out a scream. "Help! Help! She's trying to kill me!"

Heavy footsteps pounded down the hallway. Daniel's mother burst into the room, her face changing from concern to rage when she saw her grandson's blood-splattered shirt.

"What have you done?" she pulled Ethan protectively against her. "My God, look at him!"

"I didn't—" I tried to explain, but she cut me off.

"I always knew you were unstable," she hissed, wrapping her arms around Ethan's trembling shoulders. "You've been jealous of this child from day one, haven't you? Jealous that Daniel loved his son more than he could ever love you."

I pressed my hand against my bleeding arm, wincing at the dual pains of my burned chest and cut arm. "That's not what happened. He poured boiling water on me while I was sleeping."

"Liar!" Ethan sobbed into his grandmother's chest. "I didn't do anything! I just came to wake her up for breakfast and she attacked me!"

The older woman's face hardened as she stared at me with contempt. "You disgust me. My son married a harlot who would harm a child and then lie about it."

"I'm not lying," I insisted, my voice cracking. "Why would I hurt myself?"

"For attention, of course," she sneered. "You've always been desperate for Daniel's attention. But he'll never truly love you. How could he? You're nothing compared to Jessica—now there's a woman who knows how to be a proper wife and mother."

I staggered to my feet, the room spinning around me. "I never wanted to be Melissa's replacement. I only wanted to help."

"Help?" She laughed bitterly. "You've done nothing but bring misery to this house. You don't fit here—you never have. My son needs a real woman, not some pathetic imitation playing house."

Blood dripped onto the carpet as I stumbled toward the closet, pulling out my suitcase with my arm. I couldn't stay here another minute, not after this. The pain from my burns and cut arm was nothing compared to the agony of being so hated in what was supposed to be my home.

I threw clothes hastily into the suitcase, not caring what I packed. My fingers left bloody smears on everything I touched.

The bedroom door opened again, and Daniel stood in the doorway, his expression shifting from anger to shock when he saw my state.

"Kate, you're bleeding badly," he said, stepping toward me. "We need to get you to the hospital. Those burns look serious, and your arm needs stitches."

His voice carried concern, but his eyes held something else—calculation, as if he was wondering how this would affect him.

"I'll call an ambulance. You need medical attention right away."

"Don't waste your time on her," his mother snapped, grabbing his arm and pulling him back. "This is what happens when you treat Ethan the way she does. Let her deal with the consequences of her actions."

I zipped the suitcase shut. "I don't need your help, Daniel. I just need you to sign these." I nodded toward the divorce papers on the dresser.

Daniel's eyes widened. "You're bluffing. You wouldn't really leave."

"I've never been more serious about anything in my life," I shouted angrily.

He ran a hand through his hair, suddenly looking desperate. "Look, I know you're angry, but why make it this way? We can work something out. Jessica can take care of Ethan on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and you can have him the rest of the week. It can be even."

I stared at him in disbelief. Even now, he was trying to negotiate, to find a solution that would benefit him without addressing the real problem.

"I'm done being your backup plan. Sign these, or my lawyer will contact you tomorrow."

I managed to stand up straight despite the pain radiating through my body. My legs trembled as I dragged my suitcase toward the door.

Daniel stepped in front of me, blocking my path. "Kate, please. Think about what you're doing. Where will you go? How will you support yourself?"

"Move," I said.

Jessica appeared in the doorway behind him, her perfectly made-up face showing no sympathy for my injuries. "Let her go, Daniel. She clearly doesn't fit here."

A real woman would know how to handle a child without resorting to violence. You're pathetic.

"Don't worry, I'll take good care of them both. I always have, even when you thought you were the only woman in Daniel's bed."

Before I could respond, she grabbed my suitcase and shoved threw it into the hallway. "Your taxi's waiting, replacement."

I stumbled after my belongings, barely keeping my balance as pain shot through my body. Jessica pushed me again, harder this time, and I fell against the wall.

"Don't ever come back," she hissed and slammed the door behind me.

I stood in the hallway, bleeding and burned, listening to Daniel's mother comforting Ethan, Jessica's laughter, Daniel's muffled voice. No one came to check if I was okay.

With trembling hands, I pulled out my phone and called for a cab. The screen was slick with my blood, making it hard to dial.

Somehow, I managed to drag my suitcase down the stairs and outside to the curb. The morning air was cool against my burned skin, offering small relief. I sat on my suitcase, waiting, wondering how my life had come to this moment.

Five years ago, I had made a promise to my dying best friend, ever since then I've been trying to love a child who hated me, and be a wife to a man who saw me as a convenient replacement.

Minutes passed and I kept expecting the door to open for Daniel to come rushing out with apologies and promises, but the house remained silent.

Finally, a cab pulled up.

"Miss, are you okay? Do you need an ambulance instead?" he asked as he came and reached for my suitcase.

I shook my head, trying to stand. "No, I just need to get away from here."

"Where to, then?" he asked.

I opened my mouth to answer, but the words wouldn't come.

"Miss?" He asked.

"Anywhere but here," I managed to whisper.

As I reached for the cab door. My body felt suddenly heavy, like I was being pulled underwater. 667

The last thing I heard was the cabbie shouting for help, as darkness swallowed me whole. Then... nothing.