Aria
Mary kept her hand over mine and gently pulled it closer, her grip firming just a fraction. It was subtle, but telling, like she was gathering courage before crossing the invisible line separating us from each other.
“Dear,” she continued softly, “families go through storms. Terrible ones sometimes. But walking away when things get hard, that’s when the damage becomes permanent.”
Juliet nodded in agreement, her expression sympathetic but calculated.
“You left when the company was folding,” Juliet added. “When Ethan needed you the most.”
I withdrew my hand gently and leaned back in my chair. There it was. Not how are you healing? Not are you okay? Just blame, dressed up as concern.
“I only left because my husband was sleeping with my best friend,” I said calmly.
Mary sighed, a
