“Exactly. Evelyn was never cut out for this world. She tries, but…” He chuckled. “She was born small and will stay small. Better to let her sit quietly at home.”
Their laughter stung like a slap.
Then came the voice that made my blood freeze.
“Don’t be cruel, Matthew,” Claire teased. Her tone was playful, but sultry underneath. Claire. My best friend. The girl who used to pass me notes in algebra, who stayed up cramming with me in college, who held my bouquet at my wedding with tears in her eyes.
“You make it sound like you don’t need her at all.”
“I don’t,” Matthew said smoothly. “Evelyn was convenient. That’s all. My father wanted me settled, and she was… available. She plays the part of the quiet, dutiful wife. She doesn’t argue, she doesn’t complain.”
I pressed a fist against my mouth, shaking.
Claire gave a low laugh. “You’re horrible.”
“You know it’s true.” His voice dipped lower, intimate. “You’ve always been the one, Claire. You, not her.”
The air seemed to vanish from the tiny coatroom. My throat closed, and for a moment I thought I might faint.
“Then why not tell her?” Claire’s voice sharpened with mock concern. “You know Evelyn adores you. Isn’t it cruel to keep her in the dark?”