My parents texted me, “The Christmas party has been canceled. Don’t come, my love.” They had no idea I was standing right outside the door, watching them and my sister raise a glass and say, “Merry Christmas—it’s so much better without So

”

The lawyer stepped forward. “It is enforced,” she said. “As of today, Ms. Mercer—Sophia—is the legal owner. Your occupancy rights terminate in thirty days. If you refuse, eviction proceedings begin.”

My mother made a strangled sound. “Eviction? On Christmas?”

Marlene’s gaze was steady. “You toasted ‘better without Sophia,’” she said. “This is what ‘without continue reading …