Forgotten at the Table

After decades of being invisible in her own family, Christine Harper decides enough is enough. When betrayal forces her to confront her past, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Will she reclaim her voice and find freedom?

Prologue
I've been married to Howard Russell for thirty-five years, and I've never sat at the table to eat a meal.
Our table only seats four people, occupied by my husband, son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. There's no place for me.
After cooking the last dish, my family eats until they're nearly full.
When I eat, I pick a few vegetable dishes and curl up alone on the couch. Once everyone's finished, I clear the table, wash the pots and dishes.
After all that's done, Howard takes me to his study, where I have to report every expense to him.
'On Monday, I spent $4.80 on vegetables.
'On Tuesday, I bought shrimp for $20.60, and Luke's pencil case cost around thirty something.'
Howard pushes up his glasses, questioning my spending: 'Don't say 'around.' How much exactly was it?'
My sister, who's returned home after starting a business abroad, wants to take me to a five-star restaurant.
I anxiously search for a decent outfit but can't find one.
Until I come across that property deed.
The retirement home I'd scrimped and saved for all my life with Howard is in his and his first love's names.
I sit there, wondering who I've been working so hard for all these years.
At the five-star restaurant, my sister says to me, 'I've never married, and you're the sister I worry about most. If you divorce your husband, I'll leave you my entire fortune worth millions.'