The Night Before Christmas

By: Maria Frankland

It was all happy families. Until she arrived…

As the car pulls up to my husband Dominic’s family home the night before Christmas, I suppress a shudder. I’ve never felt welcome here. His parents make it clear I’m a poor comparison to his perfect first wife, Carla. But I’m determined to lean into the festive cheer.

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Book Description

Until Dominic’s mother bustles into our bedroom and blindsides me: ‘You won’t mind, will you. Carla is coming for the holidays. She’s still one of the family, and she can’t get home because of the storm.’ My eyes widen – did she and Carla plan this on purpose? I know Dominic won’t stand up to his parents. Apart from marrying me, I guess – with my past, I wasn’t exactly what his family wanted. But then I see the smallest hint of satisfaction cross his face. Did he know about this, too?

When Carla arrives, arms laden with presents, her beautiful smile doesn’t fool me. And with the howling snowstorm promising days of ice-white isolation, we’re stuck here. And it’s quickly clear that not only does she want Dominic back, she wants me gone. Forever…

But while we sip mulled wine and unwrap our gifts, carols merrily playing in the background, I hide a secret smile. None of them knows that I’m far, far tougher than they give me credit for. I’ve survived before. And if I have to, I would kill to survive again, even if it is Christmas…

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