This is roughly based on a video I saw on Instagram. Idk if it's from another TV series or movie, but if anyone sees any connections, please tell me so I can give proper credit. Also, this is a very dark one-shot, so you've been warned. Nothing is graphic, but still.

Let me know what you thought of this and (I make no promises) if you'd like to see a continuation.

I own nothing but a very weird brain.

Merry Christmas.

xA.


It's been only six months, and it feels like a lifetime. The routine is the same. Wake up and cover up. That includes makeup and long-sleeved dresses that don't show more than my calves.

This morning is different, though. Rachel got the papers that will secure my assets, and I can leave whenever I want. I mean, not whenever, because if I'm alone, I'll be done.

As I'm used to, I wake up and put on a dress, one that's been hidden for six months, but as I reach for my foundation and concealer, I stop. There's not a better day than today, I remind myself. So I move to fix my hair instead.

Rachel is the only one who knows everything and keeps my secrets, but she can't fight for me. What I need is an army. Shame had stopped me for such a long time, but if I kept hiding, I might never find myself again. But in order to stop hiding, I have to show everyone what needs to be on display.

No more denying and no more hiding.

Once I'm done fixing the auburn locks of my hair, everybody will already be downstairs. Louis, with his plans for the firm's holiday, and Gretchen by his side with the booked activities for today. Jessica with her pearly white smile, which scares and calms everyone at the same time. Rachel and Mike will also be there, showing off their amazing relationship. It would make me jealous if it weren't for other matters. Harvey is most likely going to be the last one to arrive, and it's probably for the best. Wouldn't want a bloodbath, even though it's what my dear husband deserves.

He must be downstairs with everyone else, enjoying the rented cabin, along with all the other named partners and employees. When I had the ring—he so carefully placed on my right hand—I was over the moon with joy, even if my heart secretly screamed the name of another lawyer at the firm. Now, all I think about is how I wish I had listened to my heart.

As soon as I'm finished with my hair, I'm as ready as I'll ever be. No backing off. No more hiding. This is my mantra to get through this day.

Putting on my heels and grabbing the papers hidden in the bottom of my luggage, I head to the living area where everyone is waiting. Even though I'm dressed, I'm bare for everybody to see. My only lifeline stuck between my fingers.

It's morning, but the Christmas lights are on and people seem to be having a great time. That is until the first smile fades upon seeing me.

It must be bad, because even Jessica gasps and covers her mouth. Mike looks as if I had just told everyone he's a fraud, and it makes me want to laugh at the absurdity of ever telling his secret. Louis is the first to move towards me and ask what happened, while Gretchen's gaze turns to my beloved husband. The only person who seems proud is Rachel. Knowing everything that's ever happened to me, she's watching me like I'm taking my first steps.

I don't say a word to anyone, I just stare at him, as they all quickly realize who's to blame for my state. The man who is sitting at the table, acting not at all concerned. The one who gave me the ring that is now inside the envelope I carry. He's not only to blame. He's also not the one who crippled and killed a part of me.

He's look of disbelief makes everything bittersweet. His angel of a wife, who would never bite back, is now standing in front of him and the people who trusted him, showing his very own masterpiece.

The purples, greens and yellows of new and old marks. The red scrapes and cuts that color a barely living canvas.

It's almost a poetic show, if it weren't for the man standing in the far corner of the room.

I thought I knew Harvey, but until this point, I guess I didn't. He looks pale as his gaze switches from me to my darling husband, his knuckles turning white as he makes fists. I can still read him like a book and see the gears turning in his head.

Easy as one plus one.

But instead of going for the jugular of the person responsible for my state, he comes to me, taking me by surprise. Concern written all over his handsome features as he whispers my name.

"Donna…"

However, this isn't about him, or us, or anyone but me, so I avert my gaze from him to the artist, and Harvey stops in his tracks. There will be time for us.

The spotlight now on whom it should be, I slam the papers at the breakfast table. The last words Stephen hears coming from me are directed to Rachel, telling her to call the police and to make him sign the divorce papers.

Hopefully, the next time he hears my voice, it will be in a courtroom.

He wanted me to hide and to be silent, but I guess I'm not good at following orders.