welcome to story tales please like this video And subscribe to story tales I hope you enjoy the story let's begin the late afternoon sun cast Long Shadows across the Austin suburbs as Tony Harrington's heavy duty pickup truck rumbled into the driveway of 4287 Maple Grove Lane the truck's engine usually a comfort after a long day at the construction sight fell silent leaving him alone with thoughts that had been gnawing at him all day his weathered hands still bearing traces of construction dust despite his thorough washing grip the steering wheel one last time before releasing it
the two-story Colonial house before him represented everything he' worked for over the past decade overtime hours weekend shifts climbing from General laborer to site manager every shingle on that roof every brick in those walls meant something he' chosen this neighborhood for its good schools its Safe Streets its promise of the perfect place to raise a family family the sound of children playing filtered through the early evening air from somewhere down the street mixing with the gentle rustle of oak trees that lined their property Tony reached for his lunch cooler and tool belt his movements measured
and deliberate The Familiar weight of his steel toed boots pressed against the driveway's gravel as he made his way toward the front door before he could reach for his keys an excited squeal pierced the air Daddy's home the door flew open and 5-year-old Nancy burst out like a tiny Whirlwind her dark pigtails bouncing with each step pink sneakers lighting up against the concrete pathway Tony's face broke into a genuine smile the first one he managed all day as he dropped his gear and caught her midleap there's my princess he spun her around breathing in the
sweet scent of her strawberry shampoo trying to push away the unsettling thoughts that had plagued him all day did you grow taller since this morning Nancy giggled wrapping her small arms around his neck daddy you saw me at breakfast and look how much you've grown he tickled her sides cherishing the sound of her laughter these moments he thought these were what really mattered I drew you a picture at school today Nancy announced proudly her brown eyes so much like his own sparkling with excitement and when I got home we played lots of games Tony adjusted
his hold on her keeping his voice light we who's we princess me and Mommy and Nancy's face lit up with Innocent enthusiasm oh and the other Daddy he taught me how to build the biggest tower ever with my blocks almost as tall as me Tony's arms stiffened though he fought to keep his expression neutral the other daddy Comet hit him like a physical blow but years of handling crisis situations at construction sites had taught him to maintain his composure the other daddy H Nancy nodded vigorously oblivious to the sudden tension in her father's body he's
really good at building things just like you but he doesn't have rough hands like yours she traced the calluses on his palm for emphasis before Tony could probe further Kim appeared in the doorway his wife of 8 years stood there in her real estate agent outfit a Navy Blazer and pencil skirt that she somehow kept pristine despite showing houses all day her blonde hair was perfectly styled makeup still fresh too fresh a voice in his head whispered for someone who'd supposedly been working since 7 that morning Nancy sweetie Kim called out her voice carrying a
note Tony had never noticed before something tight controlled time to wash up for dinner go on now Nancy pouted but didn't argue giving Tony one more squeeze before he set her down they watched her disappear into the house the sound of her light footsteps fading up the stairs Kim approached her heels clicking against the pathway the scent of her perfume reached him familiar but somehow different as if mixed with something else she stretched up to kiss his cheek a routine gesture that now felt performative you're home early she said her hand resting on his arm
was that anxiety he detected in her voice wrapped up the Highland sight ahead of schedule Tony replied studying her face after eight years of marriage he knew every line every expression right now something was off interesting day here kimk laugh came too quickly too brightly oh you know the usual showed that split level on Oak Wood to three different couples no bites yet she turned toward the house but Tony caught the slight Tremor in her hands as she smoothed her skirt Nancy seems to have had fun he said carefully following her inside the house smelled
of lasagna nany's favorite and something else something masculine she mentioned a visitor Kim step faltered slightly barely noticeable if he hadn't been watching for it oh you know how active Her Imagination is lately last week she had a pet dragon named Sparkles she laughed again but it didn't reach her eyes the things kids come up with Tony set his lunch cooler down in the kitchen noting how the counter was spotless recently wiped clean the dish rack held two wine glasses though Kim claimed to never drink during the day kids do have quite the imagination he
agreed his voice level ny's got quite the detail for Imaginary Friends these days Kim busied herself with the oven checking the lasagna dinner will be ready in 10 minutes you should grab a shower get that construction dust off upstairs Tony stood in their Master bathro letting the hot water pound against his shoulders through the door he could hear Kim's voice too muffled to make out words but carrying that intimate tone she used for personal calls he'd been hearing that tone more often lately always when she thought he was out of earshot the bathroom counter held
subtle signs he might have missed if ny's innocent comments hadn't raised his suspicions the hand soap was nearly empty though he just replaced it two days ago a dark hair on the counter that was too short to be Kim's too coarse to be NY clean and changing a fresh clothes Tony headed downstairs for dinner the dining room table was set perfectly too perfectly for their usual family dinner fresh flowers sat in a vase he didn't recognize Nancy bounced in her seat already digging into her lasagna Daddy can we build a tower after dinner an even
bigger one than today Tony caught Kim's sharp look at their daughter Nancy remember what we talked about using inside voices at dinner but Mom Nancy protested Jimmy said it was okay to be excited about building things the fork Tony's hand froze halfway to his mouth Jimmy just one of her new Imaginary Friends Kim said quickly too quickly she's been so creative lately with her pretend games Tony set his Fork down carefully what does Jimmy look like princess Nancy beamed always happy to share details he's tall like you Daddy but his hair is yellow like mommy's
and he wears fancy clothes not wear clothes like yours Nancy kimk voice carried a warning tone what do we say about telling stories but it's not a story nany's lower lip trembled Jimmy is real he makes the best pancakes even if they're not as good as Daddy's and he that's enough Nancy Kim cut in sharply finish your dinner the rest of a meal passed in strange silence broken only by ny's occasional attempts at conversation Tony watched his wife carefully noting how she checked her phone under the table every few minutes how she barely touched her
food after dinner while Kim did the dishes Tony helped Nancy with her bath and bedtime routine as he tucked her in surrounded by her stuffed animals he kept his voice gentle hey princess tell me more about the games you play during the day Nancy yawned clutching her favorite teddy bear we play lots of games hide and seek is the best Jimmy always finds me really fast even when I hide in the very best spots is Jimmy here a lot Tony stroked her hair his heart pounding despite his calm exterior only when you're working Nancy said
sleepily Mommy says it's our special secret like birthday surprises but I don't like secrets from you Daddy Tony pressed a kiss to her forehead his jaw clenched tight no more secrets princess promise me if Jimmy comes over again you'll tell Daddy promise Nancy mumbled already drifting off to sleep in the master bedroom Tony stood in their walk-in closet methodically hanging up his clothes his fingers brushed against an unfamiliar jacket expensive material designer label he noticed it appearing and disappearing over the past few weeks found something interesting Kim's voice made him turn she stood in the
closet doorway arms crossed nice jacket Tony said evenly new addition to the closet Kim's laugh had that same Force quality he'd been hearing all evening oh that's Sarah from the office she left it after our team meeting last week I keep forgetting to bring it back Sarah Tony repeated letting the name hang in the air funny I had lunch with Bob from your office last week he mentioned Sarah's been in California for the past month color drained from Kim's face but she recovered quickly different Sarah from the downtown office right Tony turned back to the
closet his movements deliberate the downtown office the one that closed last month the silence stretched between them heavy with unspoken accusations finally Kim cleared her throat I have an early showing tomorrow we should get some sleep that night Tony lay awake listening to the sounds of the house Kim's breathing beside him wasn't the Deep even rhythm of sleep the blue glow of her phone illuminated her face every few minutes as she typed messages each one followed by the distinct sound of deletion around midnight she slipped out of bed Whispering something about getting water Tony listened
to her pad down to the kitchen heard the murmur of her voice as she made what she thought was a secret phone call the next morning Tony called his crew Foreman Before Sunrise Mike I need to take some personal time next week everything okay boss Mike's concern came through clearly you haven't taken a day off in 3 years just some Family Matters To Handle Tony replied his voice leaving no room for further questions his next call was to a security company he'd worked with on construction sites within hours a discret package arrived at his office
highdef cameras with night vision and motion sensors Tony spent his lunch break in his truck parked in the shade of an old oak tree reviewing their financial records on his phone the evidence was there in black and white withdrawals from times Kim was supposedly showing houses charges at restaurants he never heard of a hotel bill explained away as a real estate convention that afternoon he told Kim he had to work late on a project bid instead he went home during her evening showing working with mechanical Precision to install the hidden cameras one behind the living
room bookshelf another disguised among the kitchen recessed lighting a third concealed in the upstairs hallway smoke detector as he worked more evidence surfaced a man's watch tucked behind books on the nightstand an unfamiliar coffee mug in the back of the cabinet extra towels in the laundry that he'd never seen before when Kim and Nancy returned home that evening Tony was already there having timed his stage to rival perfectly he sat at the dinner table playing his role in their family routine while the cameras recorded empty rooms waiting how was your day Kim asked serving tonight's
takeout on a plates productive Tony replied the word carrying a weight his wife couldn't begin to understand Nancy chatted about her day at school but Pony's attention was split between his daughter's innocent stories and his wife's Behavior every few minutes Kim's phone would Buzz each time she'd check it under the table smile slightly and immediately delete whatever she'd received after Nancy was in bed Kim announced she was taking a bath the sound of running water barely massed her hushed phone conversation in their bedroom Tony opened his laptop checking the camera feeds everything was working perfectly
now it was just a matter of of time he lay in bed that night his father's words echoing in his mind son a man's reputation is built on his word and his loyalty without those he's nothing Tony had lived his life by that code had built his family on that Foundation now watching Kim sleep beside him he felt the structure of his life developing cracks but he knew these weren't the kind of cracks that could be patched Kim had made her choice had brought another man into their home into their daughter's life tomorrow he would
begin Gathering evidence tonight he let the full weight of the Betrayal sink in let it Harden his resolve and to steal Kim would soon learn that Tony Harrington was not a man who believed in second chances the clock on Tony's laptop read 2:14 p.m. when the front door opened on the video feed he sat in his darken home office shoulders tense watching the security footage with unwavering Focus for 3 Days he' reviewed hours of mundane family routines but today was different today the truth would come out coast is clear Kim's voice drifted through the speakers
ny's at her play date until 5 we have the house to ourselves a man entered the frame tall blonde wearing an expensive charcoal suit that probably cost more than Tony made in a month Jimmy the name Tony had grown to hate turn out to have a face and it was exactly what he'd expected handsome in that shallow Jim polished way finally Jimmy said pulling Kim into an Embrace that last real estate Convention of yours felt like it lasted forever Kim's laugh echoed through the speakers a sound Tony once loved now Twisted into something bitter it
wasn't a convention I was with Tony he's been asking questions lately the mighty provider getting suspicious Jimmy's tone dripped with mockery took him long enough what gave us away man Nancy mentioned you to him Kim's voice carried a note of worry I try to play it off but you know how he is like a dog with a bone when something doesn't add up smart kid Jimmy said moving through the living room with familiar ease takes after her mother Tony's hands clenched into fists as he watched them navigate his home every casual gesture every comfortable movement
showed how many times they done this before they walk to the kitchen their bodies moving in sink like practi dancers Jimmy opened the fridge Tony's fridge and reached straight for the craftbeer section mind if I grab one of hubby's special bruise help yourself Kim said hopping onto the counter he never notices anything missing too busy with his construction Empire a yes the noble profession of moving dirt around Jimmy took a long drink how's that working out for him still coming home covered in dust every day Tony's jaw clenched he'd spent 20 years building his reputation
in construction working his way up from nothing each callus on his hands represented another step toward providing for his family don't be mean Kim chided but her tone was playful Tony's good at what he does he's just predictable safe and I'm dangerous Jimmy sat down the beer moving between her legs on the counter is that why you're here with me instead of him you know why I'm here kimk fingers traced his jaw you make me feel alive live again Tony switched camera feeds as they started kissing his stomach shuring the kitchen counter would need to
be disinfected or replaced his mind started calculating the cost of new granite anything to distract from the Betrayal unfolding on his screen we should move this upstairs Jimmy's voice suggested more comfortable than the counter always thinking practically Kim teased that's why you're going to be such a successful gym owner they moved toward the stairs and T switch feeds again following their progress through his house like some Twisted security guard when they reached the master bedroom he forced himself to keep watching evidence That's What mattered now your side or his Jimmy asked already loosening his tie
does it matter Kim's voice held a challenging tone the whole bed's mind when he's working late Tony's Mouse creaked under his grip those late nights he'd spent at job sites pushing to finish projects early so could surprise her with extra time off all while she was turning their bed into a mockery of their marriage his phone buzzed a text from Sarah nany's friend's mother running late at the pediatrician's office is it okay if Nancy stays until 6 Tony's fingers Flew Over the keys perfect take all the time you need everything okay with Sarah just a
routine checkup she's fine just being extra thorough he turned back to the footage fast forwarding through the next hour the Tim stamp showed them emerging from the bedroom at 3:45 p.m. Jimmy was adjusting his tie while Kim wrapped herself in Tony's robe the one she'd given him for Christmas got that client meeting at 4 Jimmy said checking his reflection in the hallway mirror new investor for the gym guys worth millions since when do personal trainers have client meetings Kim's tone was teasing as she helped straighten his collar since they started planning to own the most
exclusive Fitness Cent her in Austin Jimmy pulled her close just wait baby once it's up and running we can stop all this sneaking around get you and Nancy set up in that condo near me Tony's Vision blurred with rage they weren't just having an affair they were planning a future with his daughter Jimmy Kim's voice held warning we talked about this it's complicated there's Nancy to think about and Tony Tony Tony Tony Jimmy's voice hardened always to him the perfect provider the responsible Father tell me something when was the last time he made you feel
like I do that's not fair Kim crossed her arms he's nany's father he's given us everything except what you really want Jimmy's hands slid down her arms when was the last time he surprised you took a risk made your heart race stop it but Kim was smiling you know I love Tony slammed the laptop shut his chest heaving enough he'd seen enough opening his phone he fired off a text to his Foreman taking that personal time starting tomorrow handle the Carson and project yourself Mike's response came quickly everything okay boss you haven't taken time off
since the day Nancy was born family situation need to handle it personally the next morning after Kim left for her supposed showing Tony set his plan in motion he copied all the footage to multiple external drives securing the evidence in his office safe and a safety deposit box at the bank then he made a call he'd been planning for days Davidson investigations a Gruff voice answered this is Tony Harrington Mike Reynolds from Harrington construction recommended you ah the contractor Mike mentioned you might call what can we do for you need documentation of an affair I've
got home footage but I need public evidence restaurants hotels anything you can get time frame as far back as you can go money's no object the detective's low whistle carried through the phone must be serious if you're giving us cart blanch they're using my daughter as cover Tony's voice was steel I want everything 3 Days Later Tony sat in his truck outside their house watching Kim's car pull into the driveway Jimmy's BMW was parked a block away poorly hidden behind a delivery van amateur Tony waited exactly 10 minutes giving them time to get comfortable to
feel safe in their routine the front door was unlocked another sign of their growing carelessness Tony entered silently his steel toed boots barely making a sound on the hardwood floors he'd installed 3 years ago the same floors he'd rushed to finish before Kim's parents visited for Thanksgiving music drifted down from upstairs their bedroom stereo he recognized the song it had played at their wedding reception he took the stairs slowly deliberately past the family photos that lined the wall eight years of memories each one now tainted the photo from their honeymoon in Cancun where Kim had
promised to love him forever nany's first birthday where she'd sworn they'd always be a perfect family lies all of it the bedroom door was closed but not locked voices drifted Through the Wood your side of the bed or his Jimmy's mocking tone carried clearly doesn't matter Kim replied soon it'll all be the door crashed open under Tony's shoulder splintering near the hinges the scene burned into his memory Jimmy scrambling off his bed Kim clutching sheets to her chest both of their faces transforming from pleasure to Terror in an instant Tony Kim's voice hit a pitch
he'd never heard before what are you you're supposed to be at work supposed to be a lot of things aren't we Kim Tony's voice was deadly calm as he stepped into the room supposed to be honest supposed to be faithful supposed to be a good mother supposed to keep strange men away from our daughter Jimmy had managed to pull on his pants trying to look dignified despite his bare chest and must hair listen man this isn't what it looks like really Tony's laugh was Hollow because it looks like you're screwing my wife in my bed
while my daughter's at school it looks like you've been playing house in my home drinking my beer corrupting my family Tony please Kim scrambled off the bed still wrapped in their wedding anniversary sheet we could talk about this like adults adults Tony's voice dropped to a whisper like how you two talked about moving in together about taking my daughter away about using my money to fund lover boy gym dreams Jimmy's face went pale how did you Tony's fist connected with Jimmy's jaw before he could finish the question the personal trainer might have had carefully sculpted
muscles but Tony had 20 years of construction work and bar fights behind his punch Jimmy sprled across the dresser sending Kim's jewelry box crashing to the floor you're insane Jimmy spat blood onto the carpet Kim call the cops cops Tony smiled but it didn't reach his eyes great idea let's show them the videos of you entering my house the photos of you playing Daddy to my daughter at the park the hotel receipts the bank transfers Kim's been making to your business account Tony stop this Kim was crying now m Scara running down her cheeks we
can work this out work it out Tony grabbed Jimmy by the throat slamming him against the wall hard enough to crack the drywall like how you worked out your little future plans teaching my daughter to lie to me making her keep your dirty secrets Jimmy swung a punch but Tony blocked it easily years of breaking up fights at construction sites had taught him how to handle himself he slammed Jimmy against the wall again knocking down the family portrait that had hung there since they'd moved in Tony please Kim grabbed his arm you're going to hurt
him hurt him Tony's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper like you heard Nancy making her live a lie teaching her it's okay to betray family Jimmy tried to break free but Tony's grip was iron you're nothing but a rich boy playing house with someone else's family well playtime's over he dragged Jimmy toward the stairs the younger man's designer shoes scuffing against the hardwood followed alternating between threats and pleas but Tony ignored her his Focus was singular removing this cancer from his home at the front door Tony finally released Jimmy watching him stumble onto the porch
you've got 30 seconds to get in your car and drive away after that every construction crew in Texas gets photos of you every gym within 50 miles learns what kind of trainer you really are every potential investor sees exactly where their money would be going Kim Jimmy called out but Tony stepped between them 25 seconds and if you ever come near my daughter again he left the threat hanging Jimmy ran they watched his BMW peel away from the curb tires squealing as it disappeared around the corner Tony Kim reached for his arm her voice breaking
please let me explain he Shrugged her off like she was contaminated Packa bag when Nancy gets home from school I don't want you here you can't do this kimk voice Rose hysterically this is my house too I have rights rights Tony pulled out his phone pulling up the camera feeds want to watch yourself bring another man into our bed want to see how you used our daughter as cover for your affair should we show these to your real estate clients your parents ny's School Kim's face went white as she recognized the camera angles you you
recorded everything Tony's voice could have frozen hell every meeting every lie every time you made our daughter lie for you every penny you stole from our accounts for Jimmy's business I'll fight you Kim's voice shook with desperate anger for Nancy for the house with what money your commission only job your savings account that's almost empty because of Jimmy's investment opportunity Tony's smile was cruel yeah I know about that too pack your bag Kim you've got one hour before I start sending these videos to everyone we know he turned away from her tears walking to his
office behind him he heard Kim sink to the floor sobbing the sound meant nothing to him now the woman he loved was gone maybe she' never really existed in his office Tony made three calls the first to his lawyer setting the divorce in motion the second to NY School changing the approved pickup list to remove Kim's name the third to a locksmith when he finished he stood at his office window watching Kim load a suitcase into her car she looked up at their house one last time before driving away her mascara stained face was barely
visible through the car window Tony felt nothing but cold satisfaction she destroyed their family corrupted their daughter's innocence with lies and brought another man into their bed now she would learn what it meant to betray Tony Harrington his phone buzzed a text from ny's school Nancy is asking if her mother will be home for dinner she seems upset should we have the counselor speak with her Tony looked at the empty driveway where Kim's car had been no Second Chances he muttered typing back nany's fine her mother won't be joining us for dinner or any other
meals he closed his office blinds shutting out the world while he planned his next moves the house would need to be cleaned Furniture replaced memories erased but first he had a daughter to protect and and a wife to destroy the morning sun filtered through expensive curtains in Tony's dining room casting Long Shadows across the polished mahogany table he bought to replace the one Kim had tainted around him Sat the carefully chosen audience for today's performance Sarah and David Thompson ny's best friend's parents Bob and Linda Martinez from Kim's real estate office Jennifer and Michael Collins
Kim sister and brother-in-law and a handful of other friends and family members who needed to know the truth before we begin Tony's voice carried the same Authority he used on construction sites I want to thank you all for coming what you're about to see isn't easy but it's necessary he opened his laptop the screen reflecting in their expectant faces the security footage began to play showing Kim and Jimmy entering the house on multiple occasions Tony had edited the videos carefully removing the explicit content but leaving enough to paint the complete picture of betrayal oh my
God Sarah's hand flew to her mouth as she watched Kim Usher Jimmy inside during what was supposed to be a play dat between their daughters all those times she was using our children as cover every single time Tony confirmed his voice hard as steel while our kids played downstairs she was upstairs with him the Tuesday afternoon reading group Linda whispered recognition Dawning she said she was hosting a book club for neighborhood moms there was no book club Tony replied pulling up a a calendar marked with dates and times just like there were no real estate
meetings on these days he turned to Bob check your office records half of her supposed showings never existed Bob Kim's boss's former boss now pulled out his phone and started scrolling through the agency's scheduling system his face darkened son of a she's been falsifying appointments for months there's more Tony's movements were methodical as he spread financial documents across the table bank statements showed regular transfers to an account labeled Fitness future LLC credit card bills listed hotels restaurants shopping spree she's been funneling money to fund lover boy gym dreams nearly emptied our savings account Jennifer Kim
sister looked like she might be sick Tony those weekends she watched my kids while Michael and I were traveling yeah Tony let the word hang heavy in the air you might want to inventory your jewelry box and your husband's watches Michael's face Reed that Rolex that went missing last month check the local pawn shops Tony suggested that's where I found ny's birthday necklace the one Kim claimed she lost the group sat and stunned silence as Tony continued his methodical destruction of Kim's reputation Every Lie every theft every betrayal laid bear under the late morning sun
what are you going to do Jennifer finally asked her voice small Tony's smile was shark-like already doing it called every real estate agency within 100 miles sent them proof she used client meetings to cover her Affair showed them how she falsified business records good Bob nodded grimly I fired her yesterday can't have someone like that representing our company words already spreading through the industry but what about Nancy Sarah leaned forward mother's concern evident in her voice Emma says she keeps asking about Kim at school she's confused Tony Nancy's safe with me Tony's tone could have
frozen hell itself Kim lost any right to her when she brought that man into our home when she taught our daughter to lie for her when she is phone buzzed interrupting his Litany of accusations another desperate text from Kim please Tony I'm begging you let me at least talk to Nancy she needs her mother I'll do anything Tony deleted it without breaking stride I've already changed schools got her in a St Margaret's across town Fresh Start away from all this Tony Linda spoke hesitantly children need their mothers no Tony Cut Her Off children needs stability
protection truth Kim gave her none of that the doorbells chime cut through the tense atmosphere Tony checked his newly installed security system on his phone cameras covering every angle of his property now a fortress against future betrayals Kim stood on the porch a pitiful sight in the same clothes she'd left in a week ago her designer outfit was wrinkled her perfectly maintained hair limp and unwashed even through the security feed they could see the mascara tracks down her cheeks well Tony stood his height suddenly imposing looks like the star of our show decided to make
a personal appearance he moved toward the door with measured steps hearing the gathered group shift behind him this confrontation was inevitable might as well give them the full performance at the door Tony opened it just enough to block kimk view of the Gathering inside you're not welcome here Tony please Kim's voice cracked with desperation her manicured nails now chipped and broken clutched at the door frame I've been calling and texting for days I need to see Nancy she's my daughter too your daughter Tony's laugh was cruel should have thought about that before you turned her
into your personal Alibi how many times did you make her lie for you Kim how many times did you tell her don't tell Daddy about mommy's special friend I made mistakes Kim's voice Rose taking on a hysterical Edge horrible terrible mistakes but I'm her mother you can't keep her from me forever watch me Tony pulled out his phone bringing up the video playlist he compiled remember these wonder what the family court judge will think about you using our daughter to facilitate your Affair about you bringing strange men into her home you bastard Kim his desperation
turning to anger I'll fight you for custody I'll hire the best lawyers in Texas I'll you'll what Tony's Interruption was sharp as a Blade fight me with the money you stole the money you handed over to Jimmy for his non-existent gym how's that working out by the way has he returned any of your calls since I caught you behind him he could hear the gathered audience moving closer drawn to the drama unfolding on his porch Kim's face crumpled as she caught sight of familiar faces through the Gap in the door what is this some kind
of intervention no Kim Tony stepped onto the porch pulling the door wider to let her see everyone this is your funeral the death of every lie you've ever told every relationship you've poisoned every bridge you're about to watch burn Tony don't do this your things are in storage unit 247 at safe store on Fifth he continued as if she hadn't spoken paid through the month after that they'll auction everything you didn't take with you the divorce papers are with Williams and Associates sign them as is and you might might get supervised visitation someday Tony Kim's
voice broke completely tears flowing freely now I love her please don't take my baby she's all I have left you took her first Tony replied each word precise and cutting every time you made her lie about Jimmy every time you chose him over her every time you wris your future for a quick thrill in my bed what am I supposed to do Kim asked mascara creating Fresh Tracks down her cheeks where am I supposed to go you've Frozen all the accounts should have thought about that before you spread your legs for a personal trainer Tony's
crude words made several people behind him gasp maybe Jimmy's jimm dreams will still work out though I hear investors get nervous when their potential business partners have compromising videos circulating Kim's eyes widened in horror you didn't try getting a business loan in this town now Tony's smile was all teeth amazing how fast news travels in the financial Community every Bank every investor every potential partner knows exactly what kind of people you and Jimmy are the front door opened wider and Jennifer stepped out Kim reached for her sister desperately Jen please you have to help me
tell him he can't do this don't touch me Jennifer recoiled as if Kim's hand might burn her I saw the videos Kim I saw what you did in Tony's bed in his home while my children were playing downstairs with Nancy it wasn't I didn't Kim's eyes darted Past Jennifer to the others emerging from the house each face a mask of judgment this isn't fair you plan this you turned everyone against me no Kim Tony's voice was almost gentle which somehow made it worse you did that yourself one betrayal at a time I'll fight you Kim
tried to sound strong but her voice cracked I'll get a lawyer I'll tell them how controlling you are how you with what money Tony asked softly your accounts are frozen your job's gone your lovers not taking your calls your family seen the truth he leaned close his voice dropping to a whisper you threw away everything that mattered for a gym rat with a smart mouth and tight abs hope it was worth it they all watched as Kim fled to her car sobs echoing across the perfectly manicured lawn Tony still paid someone to maintain twice a
week her tires squealed as she peeled away from the curb leaving the scent of burnt rubber in her wake was that necessary Jennifer asked softly after Kim's card disappeared around the corner she's still nany's mother no Tony's voice was Final a mother protects her child a mother puts her family first she's just the woman who betrayed us both the Gathering dispersed slowly each person processing what they had witnessed Tony stood in his doorway until the last car left then went inside to prepare for his next task that evening he sat in ny's room watching his
daughter sleep she clutched her favorite teddy bear the one Kim had given her last Christmas tomorrow they they go shopping for new toys everything old had to go every trace of Kim erased his phone buzzed with another text from Kim I'm at Mom and Dad's they won't let me in please Tony I have nowhere else to go no money no friends nothing at least let me say goodbye to Nancy properly Tony deleted it without reading past the first line let her suffer let her feel a fraction of the pain she caused let her learn what
it meant to betray Tony Harrington the next morning he drove Nancy to St Margaret's Academy her new school across town the building was impressive Gothic architecture and manicured grounds that cost more per year than Kim would make in a decade now daddy Nancy asked from the back seat her voice small when is Mommy coming home Tony met her eyes in the rearview mirror keeping his voice gentle but firm mommy made some bad choices princess she's not coming home ever but I miss her I know you do Tony's hands tightened on the steering wheel until his
knuckles went white but you've got me and I promise you this I'll never lie to you never make you keep secrets never choose anyone else over you at the school Gates he knelt to hug her goodbye breathing in the send of her strawberry shampoo the last bottle Kim had bought soon to be replaced like everything else we're going to be okay princess just you and me promise promise Tony watched her join her new classmates her pink backpack bouncing with each step another item to replace Kim had chosen that backpack his phone buzzed Kim's mother this
time she's sleeping in her car outside our house please Tony show some mercy let her at least have enough money for a hotel room Tony blocked the number without responding Mercy was for people who deserved it Kim had made her choice and now she would live with the consequences he drove to his construction site where his crew welcomed him back with newfound respect in their eyes word had spread about what happened about how he'd handled it no one messed with Tony Harrington no one betrayed him and walked away in scathed that evening he and Nancy
ate dinner at their new table in their newly furnished dining room the old furniture like everything else cim had touched had been removed replaced renewed can we build a tower after dinner Nancy asked pushing her peas around her plate like we used to even better Tony smiled his first genuine smile in days we'll build a fortress something strong and safe just for us as they stacked blocks on the living room floor Tony's lawyer called with an update Kim's lawyer reached out again she's willing to sign over full custody if you'll lift the freeze on her
accounts says she's desperate Tony living out of her car No Deal Tony's voice was Granite she doesn't get to buy her way out of this let her fight let her spend whatever money she has left on lawyers in the end she'll sign the papers my way or she'll get nothing at all that's pretty harsh Tony the judge might not look kindly on no Tony watched Nancy carefully Place Another block at top their growing Fortress harsh would be showing those videos to every potential employer she ever approaches harsh would be making sure Jimmy's gym never gets
off the ground harsh will be sending the footage to every parent at ny's Old School every client she ever worked with every friend she ever had he paused want me to continue I get it his lawyer side I'll tell her lawyer the terms are non-negotiable Tony hung up and turned back to Nancy perfect placement princess now what should we add to make our Fortress stronger as Nancy chatted excitedly about adding towers and walls Tony's phone lit up with one last text from Kim I'm sorry for everything please Tony I'm sleeping in my car I have
nothing left no one will hire me no one will help me you've won please just let me see Nancy one last time Tony deleted it and blocked her number permanently sorry didn't rebuild broken trust sorryi didn't erase betrayal sorryi didn't fix what she destroyed he looked at Nancy innocent and happy in their new life and knew he'd made the right choice Kim had shattered their family but she wouldn't destroy their future future he'd make sure of that no matter what it cost no matter who he had to destroy because Tony Harrington didn't believe in second
chances only consequences and Kim would spend the rest of her life learning just how severe those consequences could be
