Hearing how, despite enduring so much abuse, she still trusted me unconditionally, my eyes instantly grew hot with tears.
Not wanting to burden them with the truth of my past life, I said, “Mom, Ryan and I broke up before he ever went to save Chloe. He told me himself—whatever happened after would no longer concern me.”
“And he went after Chloe because they were already having an affair. I have proof. This is all part of Ryan’s scheme. Now that he’s crippled, he just wants to chain me to him.”
“Besides, the firefighters were rescuing people that day. Why was it that everyone on the first floor was saved unharmed, yet only he was badly injured? Doesn’t that seem suspicious?”
Mom grew furious. “That Ryan—I knew something was off. And to think he played the hero. Good thing you’re not like what they’re saying online. But now that the whole internet is slandering you, what do we do?”
I reassured her. “Mom, you and Dad stay home. Don’t go out for now. I’ll handle this. If he wants to use public opinion to force me into taking care of a cripple, then he can’t blame me for striking back.”
After hanging up, I let out a cold laugh.