I bit back my irritation. “He’ll never let anything happen to me. He’s been there for me through all of this. I’m not going to push him away because of his past.”
“Baby, it’s not just about his past,” my dad interjected. “It’s about your safety. We want you to make good choices, especially now, after everything that’s happened.”
Their words struck a nerve. I understood their concern, but they didn’t see the side of Mythic that I did. He had been my rock during this storm, and it hurt that they couldn’t see that. I swallowed hard, trying to focus on the food in front of me instead of the growing tension in the room. I wanted to yell that I was a grown woman capable of making my own decisions, but I respectfully held my tongue about that too because I had clearly not been the best judge of character when it came to Damar and Mia.
As I pushed the mashed potatoes around my plate, my dad’s voice broke through the tension. “So, what’s going on with the divorce? How does that process work with Damar being in jail?”
Looking into his eyes, I saw the usual flash of anger that appeared every time Damar’s name came up.
When my parents found out about the affair between Mia and Damar, I had never seen them so furious. I wanted to keep the news from them—to protect them from the chaos—but it was impossible; the story had exploded all over the news and the Internet, and the gossip was relentless.
Our friends and loved ones, even neighbors, were whispering and speculating. Everyone looked at me with eyes filled with pity. It felt like I was living in a reality show I never signed up for. Everyone seemed to think they knew the truth, and the speculation was always the same: Damar had murdered Mia, but he had yet to make a confession, and the investigation was still ongoing.
“Well, since he’s locked up, it’s a bit complicated. I’ve filed the divorce petition through the court, and it’s different when the spouse is incarcerated. I’ve been working with a lawyer who specializes in these kinds of cases. He said I’ll need to serve Damar with the divorce papers, even if he’s in jail.”
Mom frowned, clearly worried. “But how will you do that? Is he even going to respond?”
I shrugged. “He has a right to respond, but it might not matter. I can still move forward with the divorce if he doesn’t. The lawyer said that as long as I can prove he’s been served, I can request a default judgment since he can’t show up in court.”
“Do you have any idea how long it will take?” Mom asked.
“It could take a few months, depending on how things go. I just have to stay strong and keep pushing through the process. It’s just one more thing I have to handle on top of everything else.”
Their silent support was comforting, but I could still feel their concern. I hated that I was making them worry. I wished I could retreat into my own world, far away from the prying eyes and the constant chatter. I felt suffocated by my parents’ worry and the public scrutiny.
I took a deep breath, both reluctantly and willingly changing the subject. “I’m going out of town with Mythic.” The moment the words left my mouth, I could sense the immediate shift in my parents’ demeanor. Their eyes widened, and I braced myself fortheir reaction. “He’s taking me on a vacation because I need to relax and clear my mind after everything that has happened.”
I had been wrestling with the urge to lie about who I was going with. I could have said I was going alone, but I knew that wouldn’t fly. My parents would never let me rest if they thought I was going off by myself, and I had no other friends to lie and say that I was going with.
“Unt-uh. I don’t think that’s a good idea,” my father fussed.
“I really need this vacation right now. I promise I’ll be careful.”
My mom exchanged a worried glance with my dad, and I could see the doubt written all over their faces.
“Avi,” my mother said with the high-pitched tone that always sent chills down my spine, “haven’t you had enough of being connected to the wrong people?”
“Well, we all thought Mia and Damar were good people, and we were clearly wrong about that. So, obviously, none of us are in the position to judge,” I shot back with a hint of frustration creeping into my voice.
My dad raised an eyebrow as a stern expression covered his face. “Watch it.”
“We’re only looking out for you,” my mother quipped. “We don’t want to see you hurt again.”
“I’m sorry,” I quickly told them. “I didn’t mean to get smart. It’s just… It’s been a lot lately, and I really think this trip will help me.”
The tension hung in the air for a moment before my parents nodded. Their expressions were still worried but slightly more understanding.
“We just want what’s best for you, honey.” My mom’s voice was gentler now.
“I know,” I replied, feeling a little calmer. “And I appreciate it. I really do. I just need some space to figure things out.” I bit mytongue, fighting the urge to tell my parents that I was in love with Mythic, that he was not only being supportive, but he was also putting his dick in me every chance he got. But I wouldn’t dare give my parents heart attacks. I couldn’t bear to lose them too after everything else I had already lost.
DAMAR SCOTT
I slouched in a chair in the dayroom, half-heartedly watching some old sitcom on the flickering TV. It was just background noise.
Just months ago, I was a promoter, living the high life, surrounded by the glitz and glamour of the club scene. Bottles popped like fireworks every night. I mingled with the city’s elite. I was living like a king in a world where money and status meant everything.
Now, I was stuck in Cook County Jail, and reality hit me like a punch to the gut every morning when I opened my eyes. This place was far from the vibrant nightlife I once thrived in.
