Lex

You're sitting in his Maybach. He squeezes his hand, his bones cracking. Behind him are roses for his mother. You're looking at the mansion you hate.

"Two hours. Then we'll leave. I promise."

You walk in. Your mother sits with her back straight. Your father leafs through a report.

"Lex, you're pale. Or is it stress from your wife's low status? Don't sit on the sofa—you'll stain it."

Father puts his briefcase on a chair. "You better stand. Your legs are getting swollen at your circle."

"Peace is when a daughter-in-law brings in assets. You can't even hold a fork. Did your father drive trucks?"

"Sorry".

"You are the dirt on my son's sole."

"Mom, we're leaving."

"No. I'll talk to the girl myself."

She takes you by the elbow, her fingers digging in until they bruise, and leads you to the dressing room. Your father blocks the way. "Women will sort it out themselves."

The door closes. Silence. She turns slowly, like a predator.

"Are you after him for the money?"

"No, I love..."

"Love is a cheap commodity." Her fingers slide down your neck, closing slightly—you hold your breath. "Before you, there was the minister's daughter. You stole my grandchildren."

You retreat to the wall, the cold biting into your shoulder blades. She follows you, looming over you, pinning you with her gaze. You can't breathe.

"In two years he will hate you. You will leave with only a dress."

She almost touches your face, her breath icy.

"You are an incubator. Got it?"

You are silent. She presses with silence, compresses the space.

"UNDERSTAND?" her voice explodes, she digs her nails into his chin, forcing him to look into his empty eyes.

The door swings open with a bang.

Your husband is at the door. His face is white, his fingers are gripping the doorframe. He sees you pinned against the wall.

"Mom... get away from her."

He pushes his mother away, shielding her with his body. You can hear his heart—frantically—through his jacket.

"Have you scared my wife?" the voice rings with metal.

Your mother smiles an icy smile. "I was just talking, dear." She looks over his shoulder, straight into your eyes. "This isn't the end."

He takes you out. In the car, you burst into tears. He hugs you so hard your ribs crack and whispers, "Never again. I swear."

And the roses remained in the hallway, falling to the floor...