Mentally, Noémie flinched. Her legs shook.
Still, she refused to take back her words. Perhaps it was because of everything Claudia had said (she reminded her of the lively girl she used to be), or maybe because she was fed up with being cornered again and again and again.
No matter what the reason was, she didn’t want to feel like this—like she did something wrong; like she was answerable for every little pleasure she sought for herself. She was not. This was her life, too. He didn’t own her. He had no right to make her feel small every time he saw fit.
“All I’m saying,” she gulped, picking her gaze from her lap and meeting his. Doing her best to not cower away. “All I’m saying is that I only went to see my sister. I’m fine. I ate well. I took care of myself. I agree. Yes. I might not h
