Riley's POV
The motel room smelled like cigarettes as Lily slept fitfully on the sagging bed while I sat by the window, watching the news coverage of my humiliation.
Brett’s press conference played on repeat in my head, each word a fresh wound.
“Her situation was unfortunate.”
“The deception was disappointing.”
“That remains to be seen.”
I’d known he would do this known he would choose his reputation over me but hearing it, seeing the cold dismissal in his eyes, felt like dying.
My phone rang; the screen showed an unknown number.
“Riley? Riley, is that you?” a woman’s voice demanded.
I froze, throat tightening. “Mom?”
“I saw the news. I saw what you’ve become.” Her voice was sharp with disgust.
My stomach clenched. I hadn’t spoken to her in two years, not since she’d told me I w
