THE MORNING AFTER OUR WEDDING, MY HUSBAND SLAPPED ME IN FRONT OF HIS ENTIRE FAMILY BECAUSE HIS MOTHER DIDN’T LIKE MY BREAKFAST. I TOOK OFF MY RING, LOOKED HIM IN THE EYE, AND SAID, “BY TONIGHT, YOU’LL UNDERSTAND WHO YOU REALLY MARRIED.”

PART 1 — BREAKFAST AT RAVENSWOOD ESTATE

The first morning after I married Adrian Blackwell, nb he struck me across the face in front of his entire family.

All because his mother said my omelet was too salty.

It happened at the long walnut table inside Ravenswood Estate, the Blackwell family home outside Bellmere.

Morning sunlight poured through two-story windows.

Silver gleamed beside imported china.

Fresh flowers filled crystal vases.

And Eleanor Blackwell sat at the head of the table looking as though even the sunrise required her approval.