The front door slammed shut behind Mark with a loud bang that made the windows rattle.
My mother let out a long, shaky breath and leaned against the wall, her hands trembling violently.
Maya: Mom... are you okay?
Ellen: I'm okay, Maya. I'm actually better than I've been in three years.
Maya: You slapped him so hard, Mom. I've never seen you hit anyone before.
Ellen: When I saw him standing over Leo with that table flipped over, something inside me just snapped.
Maya: I was so scared he was going to hit you back.
Ellen: He's a coward, Maya. Bullies like Mark only pick on people who can't fight back.
I walked over and gave my mother a tight hug, wrapping my arms around her shoulders.
Maya: I'm so proud of you, Mom.
Ellen: I'm proud of you too, sweetie. You saved Leo today by recording that video.
A few minutes later, the headlight beams of a locksmith van shone through our living room blinds.
My mother had called an emergency night service to replace every lock on the front and back doors.
Locksmith: Good evening, ma'am. You requested a full deadbolt replacement?
Ellen: Yes, please. I want high-security digital keypads installed on both exterior doors tonight.
Locksmith: No problem at all. It'll take about forty-five minutes to complete the job.
While the locksmith worked on the front door, my mother and I returned to the kitchen to clean up the mess.
We swept up the shattered glass, picked up the broken plates, and carefully lifted the heavy dining table back onto its legs.
Maya: Mom, what are we going to do about the joint bank account tomorrow?
Ellen: Mr. Sterling is meeting me at the bank at eight thirty to split the funds according to our prenuptial agreement.
Maya: Wait... you made him sign a prenup before you married him?
Ellen: Of course I did. My father insisted on it before he passed away.
Maya: Does Mark know that the prenup protects the house completely?
Ellen: He knows, but he thought he could intimidate me into waiving it during the divorce.
Maya: He really thought he could manipulate you forever.
Ellen: He mistook my patience for weakness, Maya. A lot of men make that mistake with quiet women.
By one in the morning, the locksmith finished installing the new digital locks and handed my mother two fresh security cards.
Locksmith: All set, ma'am. These keypads require a six-digit PIN code or these master cards to open.
Ellen: Thank you so much for coming out so late.
Locksmith: Stay safe, ma'am. Have a good night.
My mother locked the heavy front door, entered our new private code, and turned off the foyer lights.
For the first time in three years, our house felt quiet, safe, and peaceful.
I went up to my bedroom, checked on Leo one last time, and finally fell asleep knowing Mark couldn't get inside.