Chapter Eighteen
Ana
I turned my back on the pile of jewelry and the family that felt like strangers. I didn't want their pity, and I certainly didn't want Ema’s leftovers.
I began walking toward the large front door, my steps sounding loud in the quiet room. I just needed to breathe air that didn't feel heavy with lies.
"Stop right there!" Desmond’s voice boomed behind me.
I halted and slowly turned around to look at him. He was standing near the couch, his face a mix of confusion and anger.
"Why are you stopping me, Desmond?" I asked, my voice flat. "Do you have something else you want to say? Or did you want to go for a walk with me? Because if I stay in this house for one more minute, the people here are going to look me to death."
Desmond opened his mouth to speak, pointing a f
