Chapter 3 - The Uninvited Guest
Before Eleanor could scream at me again, the elevator doors at the end of the hall opened with a gentle chime.
Valerie stepped out into the foyer, carrying two large luxury shopping bags.
She wore a tight pink dress that accentuated her pregnant belly, her eyes sparkling with arrogant triumph.
"Good morning, everyone!" Valerie chirped brightly, her high heels clicking on the tile.
"I brought croissants for our big moving day!"
She stopped dead in her tracks as she walked into the living room.
She looked at the empty walls, the bare floors, and the furious, red-faced Eleanor.
"What... what happened here?" Valerie asked, her smile melting into confusion.
"Where is the furniture?"
"Where is the big dining table?"
I looked at Valerie, taking in the young woman Arthur had traded his twelve-year marriage for.
"It’s gone, Valerie," I said with a faint, polite smile.
"Along with the maid service, the private parking space, and the paid rent."
Valerie looked at Arthur, panic rising in her voice.
"Arthur? What is she talking about?"
"You told me this was your family’s luxury estate!"
"You told me I would be living like a queen on the Upper East Side!"
"He lied to you, Valerie," I replied, opening the front door completely.
"Just like he lied to his mother, and just like he lied to me."
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"He doesn't own this place."
"And as of right now, he can't even afford the subway ride back to his office."
