Chapter 50
Contains spoilersOverview
Nina, newly expelled by Andrew, plans to retrieve Cecelia and leave, careful to let Andrew file for divorce. She and Enzo become intimate, but clash when Enzo insists they must warn or save Millie from Andrew. The rift sets a new moral line: escape versus responsibility.
Summary
Alone in a hotel, Nina vows Andrew will never send her to the attic or smear her as “crazy” again. She resolves to let Andrew file for divorce first and plans to collect Cecelia from camp and leave, reverting to her maiden name since Andrew never adopted Cecelia.
A knock at the door startles Nina, but it is Enzo. She confirms Andrew has thrown her out. Relief turns into desire; they kiss and sleep together, and Nina briefly experiences tenderness after years of coercive, loveless sex.
Afterward, as Nina prepares to leave town, Enzo does not ask her to stay or to go with her. Instead, he declares, “We can’t leave her, Nina,” meaning Millie. He argues that Millie does not deserve Andrew any more than Nina did and cannot be abandoned to him.
Nina pushes back, calling Millie a criminal and insisting Enzo does not understand. Enzo maintains that Millie is a human being and vows to warn her if Nina will not, creating a sharp conflict between Nina’s plan to disappear and Enzo’s determination to protect Millie.
Who Appears
- Nina Winchester
Recently thrown out by Andrew; plans to retrieve Cecelia and leave; sleeps with Enzo; resists warning Millie.
- Enzo
Ally and gardener; comforts Nina, becomes intimate with her, and insists they must warn/save Millie.
- Andrew (Andy) Winchester
Abusive husband who throws Nina out; looming threat motivating escape and concern for Millie.
- Millie
Housemaid now at risk with Andrew; offstage focus of Enzo’s insistence to warn her.
- Cecelia (Cece)
Nina’s daughter at camp; not adopted by Andrew; central to Nina’s escape plans.