tained almost nothing of what the doctor said. She nodded at the right times, smiled when a

n Queens. It was a modest house, cluttered and warm, a s

front steps, a sleek car pulled

She knew the

a large, cellophane-wrapped fruit basket. He looked like the picture of success. H

ut, his voice booming wit

up. "Oh, Jere! You're so busy, t

round Deliah's waist. His grip was firm.

mile," he whispered, his tone dropping to t

It felt like her face might crack. She felt

loveseat, taking up too much space, playing the perfect son-in-law. He asked Arthur, Deliah

ous at his duality. How could he be this pe

glanced at it, then flipped it face down. "F

is so lucky to have you, Jere.

ing. "I'm going to make tea," she

edge of the sink, hyperventilating. The walls felt like they were clos

search bar: Divorce

first one that looked discreet and

m on the website. Name: Deliah Hines.

hit

d he

n instantly. Jere was standing in the

ng. "You're acting strange today. You were

ged, her voice low. "O

. "Stop with the attitude, Deliah. I am doing this for your parents. Do you

explicitly, but the implication was clear:

as trapped. Her family's financial surv

owing her rage. "Fine. L

ut and tucked a strand of hair

beautiful lie. As she sat down, Deliah's phone vibrated in

ceived you

the fir