Reputation.
“You should have considered that before you created the truth,” I said.
“I made terrible choices.”
“I admit that.”
“But destroying me will not heal you.”
“I am not trying to destroy you.”
“I am leaving you.”
“To a man like Grant, those two things meant the same.”
His identity depended on being wanted, admired, and obeyed.
My departure was not simply rejection.
It was evidence that he had failed to control the ending.
“Aubrey is moving out,” he said.
“I know.”
“I told her I would provide an apartment.”
“She chose her sister.”
He looked startled.
“She told you that?”
“Yes.”
His mouth tightened.
“She is acting impulsively.”
“She is acting without your permission.”
“There is a difference.”
“Not to you.”
