"I'm trying. But he's already turned it around, made himself the victim. And I've been put on administrative leave."
"That's what he does best. But you have something I didn't. You have people who believe you, who are willing to fight for you. Use that. Don't let him isolate you the way he tried to isolate me."
We talk for another hour, Jennifer sharing details about Kyle's escalation patterns, his manipulation tactics, and the warning signs I should watch for. By the time I leave, my head is spinning with information, and my chest is tight with fear.
The drive home passes in a blur. Jennifer's words echo in my mind.He won't stop until he either possesses you or destroys you completely.
After picking the boys up from Noah's, I pull into my apartment complex as the sun sets, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink that feel too beautiful for the darkness closing in around me. That's when I see him.
Marcus leans against my apartment door, holding white takeout containers that I recognize immediately. Chinese food from Golden Dragon, the twins' favorite restaurant.
My hands tighten on the steering wheel. I consider driving away, but he's already seen me. Already straightening with that confident smile that used to make my heart flutter and now just makes my skin crawl.
I cut the engine and force myself out of the car. "Marcus. What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to spend time with the boys." He holds up the containers while smiling and the twins. "Brought their favorite. Orange chicken for Rory, sweet and sour pork for Corey."
The fact that he remembers their preferences shouldn't surprise me, but the casual way he shows up uninvited sets my teeth on edge.
"You should have called first," I say in a low tone even as the twins clap their hands and thank Marcus for the treat. I unlock the door and let the kids go inside.
"Would you have said yes?"
I glare at him. I'm not an idiot. He showed up like this and gave Rory and Corey their dinners, so there was no way I could say no.
"Fine. But just for dinner."
Inside, I set the table while Marcus makes himself comfortable on my couch.
Dinner is torture. Marcus is charming with the boys, asking about school and their new friends, and playing video games after we eat. He's everything a father figure should be: attentive, engaged, genuinely interested in their lives.
But it's just an act.
After I tuck the twins into bed, I return to the living room to find Marcus still on my couch. He's shed his jacket, looking comfortable in a way that sets my nerves on edge.
"They're good kids," he says. "You've done well with them."
"Thank you." I keep my voice neutral, professional.
Marcus leans forward. "I've been hearing things, Mia. About your troubles at school. The suspension. The rumors about multiple men."
My stomach drops. "That's none of your business."
"Isn't it?" He stands and moves closer, his hand finding my knee. "The boys need stability. A proper family structure. I can give them that."
I push his hand away and stand, putting the coffee table between us. "We've been through this. Our relationship ended for good reasons."
"Did it?" His expression hardens. "Or did you just run away like you always do when things get complicated?"
"I didn't run. I left because you were controlling and manipulative."
"I was trying to help you!" His voice rises before he catches himself, glancing toward the hallway. "You had nothing when we met. No job, no money, and two babies to support. I gave you stability. I gave those boys a father figure."
"And you never let me forget it. This conversation is over. You're beating a dead horse and, honestly, I'm sick of it. Nothing is going to change, so you might as well give up now."
Marcus moves toward the door, and relief floods through me. But he pauses with his hand on the knob, turning back with cold calculation in his eyes.
"If you won't come back to me willingly, I'll file for custody of the boys." His voice is calm, matter-of-fact. "I'll claim you're an unfit mother involved in an immoral relationship with multiple men. And any judge will see I'm the better parent."
