I spent $800,000 on a luxury villa, but my MIL told everyone her son bought it. When I refused to let her brother move in, she screamed, “Divorce her! My son can find someone better.” My husband nodded, “Mom is right, leave my house.” I left with a smile. A week later, they found an eviction notice on the door. When she saw me standing there with the deed, she fell to her knees and begged, “I was just joking, please let us stay!”

“Ready?” one of the officers asked.

“More than ready,” I replied.

As the officer’s fist hit the wood of the front door, I saw the curtain twitch. I knew Mark was expecting a delivery—perhaps a new suit or a bottle of celebratory Scotch. He was about to get something much more permanent.

Chapter 4: The Sound of the Lock

Mark opened the door wearing his pajamas, his hair disheveled, a smug smirk forming on his face when he saw me. He didn’t even notice the deputies at first; he was too busy preparing his next condescending remark.

“Forget your keys, Sarah? I told you, you’re not welcome h—”