Alina’s pov
“Mom, I’m just glad you can finally talk,” I say softly, trying to keep my voice light even though my chest feels tight. “And I don’t mind if you put all the blame on me. If that’s what it takes to make you feel better, then I’ll take it—every bit of it.” A faint smile plays on my lips, but it doesn’t reach my eyes.
Her expression hardens. The lines on her face deepen as she scowls at me, her gaze filled with something colder than hatred—disappointment.
“You should leave now,” she says, her tone sharp enough to cut through me. “Looking at you makes me feel disgusted.”
Her words hang in the air like smoke, choking but familiar. I nod slowly, forcing a smile that trembles at the edges. “Okay,” I whisper. “I’ll leave.”
And I do.
I turn on my heels and walk away before my mas
