“There are also legal documents regarding the house.”
They stepped inside. The house went silent.
The officer handed Camila an envelope.
She read aloud, her voice shaking:
“Camila, when you married me, you promised Chelsea would never feel alone in her own home.
If you broke that promise, you broke faith with me.
This house belongs to my daughter. You were only allowed to live here while caring for her.
If you mistreated her… she has every right to ask you to leave.”
“I have been mistreated,” I said quietly.
The attorney nodded.
“The house was placed in trust for Chelsea. That condition has been violated. Ownership now fully transfers to her. You and your daughters will receive notice to vacate.”
Camila collapsed into a chair.
Jen stared at the floor.
Lia looked like she might cry.
Outside, their ride to prom drove away.
I stood frozen.
Then I looked down at my dress.
“Wear it like you mean it.”
The officer smiled kindly.
“Chelsea, there’s a car waiting. Your father arranged for you to be escorted to prom. He didn’t want you to miss it.”
I grabbed my purse and stepped outside.
A soldier stood beside Dad’s old Chevy.
He saluted.
