That was when I stopped breathing for a second.
For seven years, I had worked extra shifTS.
I had skipped vacations.
I had driven the same old car even when I could afford something newer.
Whenever Brandon suggested using our money for his family, I had agreed because I believed we were helping people we loved.
But this was different.
He had not asked.
He had hidden it.
Claire opened another statement.
Then another.
Her face hardened.
“Elena.”
“What?”
“Look at these dates.”
I leaned closer.
The largest transfers had happened during months when Brandon told me our account was low because of “unexpected expenses.”
One month, I had postponed replacing my mother’s broken hearing aid because Brandon said we needed to be careful.
That same week, he transferred eighteen thousand dollars to Lucas.
Another month, I had taken extra shifts because Brandon told me his mother needed help paying medical bills.
