oi

once felt like home, the house I never imagined I would be a visitor in, but I had no time

on the passenger seat. T

r and stepped out, my heels clicking on the

spers from the maids ech

I heard one of them murmur

back..." the other whispere

ing off as I pu

ization that I had never truly belonged here. I was here

e, but so was Lucian. My breath hitched, a mix of dread and anticipa

e room, tinged with confusion. "Where's

serves so much better. 'This was not the d

nging with

e couch, his voice c

e living together anymore. She's going

those words but hearing it aloud s

m anymore?" Max's voice, small and inn

reaming down my face. I already knew the answer, but I was hopin

y. She's moving on. You're going to have a better mom now, one who

like a nightmare. How could he refer Jennife

t Lucian would spare Max from the harsh reality.

ed my tears... I let out a shaky breath, fighting the

briefest moment, his face hardened when

fee table in front of him. My voice was straine

e weight of everything I was holding in, "I

, but i couldn't just look at him. Not yet. I k

d still. Max's small voice tr

ker of annoyance crossing his

the silence was thick. Then he cont

will be taking Max, E

y fists, my

ce steady despite the pain. "You've already given up on us. But

ing room swung open with a loud crash. A voi

se, w

. Standing in the doorway, a smug e

tood next to Lucian. "I'm sorry, Eloise, but Lucian and I have things

now whether to yell or scream. The audacity. The n

licking between them. "Eloise, you need

y footing. "How does your conversation have anything to d

said, pointing directly at Lucian, "Can deal with whateve

i cut her off with a sharp look. "He'

hock. I was surprised by my own resilience. I had always f

echoed from the

aking his small hand in mine. "It's okay, sweetheart," I said s