We both froze.
Our mother stood there, immaculately dressed as always, smiling but l saw through it. I knew her smile, it wasn’t warmth for me. It was a performance, a mask she wore because the world expected it.
Liam, on the other hand, looked genuinely pleased, though l could sense the tiny hesitation in his posture.
“Mother…” Liam started, a hint of happiness in his voice.
My jaw tightened; his tone stayed neutral. “Good Afternoon Ma.”
“I just got in from the airport,” she said smoothly, letting her designer bag swing from her arm. “Thought I’d drop by to see how my sons are managing things while I’m away.”
I forced a polite smile. I didn’t rise to the bait, didn’t give her the warmth she might have hoped for. “We weren’t expecting you today. Why did you come all of a sudden?”
