offee table. Grace entered, her hair tied into a messy bun, and her sharp eyes narrowed at h

ssed her arms, "what's goi

irectness. "What do you mean, Grace?"

om's been acting strange, and I know you've been... distant." S

sighed. "Grace, your mother and I are fine. I

That's why Mom looks like she's about

"This is between me and your mother. I appreciate you

rself in the past few days, and you're... whatever this is.

ous. "That's enough, Grace. I

stopped abruptly. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she turned and s

_____

ber. Memories flooded back-her laughter, their secret nights, and the complications of her pre

s contact and hit "delete." A message popped up

ed their text messages one by one. By the time he was do

to himself, leaning bac

this decision, a sen

_____

mirror. She wore no makeup and looked worried. She picked up her phon

, bitterness in her voice. "Good for him." But

ase me like I'm nothing? After getting me pregnant

buzzed. It

Lucas doing?*

phone without replying. She w

" she murmured, dete

_____

e youngest, Lily, sat on the bed and crossed her leg, while Grace paced t

Mom lately?" Gra

Even her cooking has gotten bad," she sai

" Charlotte added. "Dad's been

ed her sisters. "Do you thin

lained of having so much work and meetings

believe that?

told us what the problem is, and we should take it for what i

ssed," Grace said. "She's not happy

d talk to her,"

nd he assured me he was going to address Mum's grievances. If w

t makes sens

agree," Charlo

easy glances. They hoped

_______

He found Evelyn sitting on the edge of the bed,

aid calmly, closing

with a cold ex

... I want to apologize. For being distant lately. Work ha

"Richard, I've heard plenty of

ted. "I'm going to be b

ide. "I guess we'll see. Actions

t wasn't forgiving either. Richard nod

taring at the rooftop. "We shall see," she muttere