Milton’s expression shifted slightly when he heard me, and his voice softened a little.
“That’s a good thing. Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
I gave him a small smile. “I wanted to surprise you.” I paused, my smile turning bitter. “Though looking at it now, maybe it was more of a shock.”
Maybe my sarcasm had finally gotten under his skin. He raised a hand to rub the bridge of his nose and let out a long, tired sigh.
“Elaine, I already explained everything to you. Why won’t you believe me?”
His tone was sincere. There wasn’t even a trace of guilt in his voice.
Before, whenever he showed the slightest hint of frustration, I’d fold, apologize, and back down, even if none of it was my fault.
But this time, it was different.
I lowered my eyes, trying to hide the sting behind them. My voice trembled as I choked out the words, “Milton, if the two of you really had nothing to hide, then why didn’t you go to the hospital near her home? You couldn’t, could you? Because that’s where I used to work. You were scared I’d find out.”
The room went quiet.
He stared at me, mouth twitching slightly like he wanted to say something, but nothing came out.