She leaned closer, her words dripping with venom. “A woman like you, who was abandoned by her own parents, has no place in Chris’s life. You’re nothing but a pathetic mistress.”
Evelyn finally spoke, her voice barely audible but steady, “Don’t worry. I’ll leave soon. You don’t need to make this harder for me. Now get out.”
The words were simple but firm and Evelyn didn’t give Charlotte the satisfaction of seeing her break. She turned over, pulling the blanket tighter around her fragile frame and closed her eyes.
Charlotte stared at her in disbelief.
The Evelyn she knew would have fought back—sharp words, bitter accusations, anything to defend herself. But now, Evelyn was strangely calm, almost resigned.
It unsettled Charlotte, though she quickly dismissed the feeling. Fine, she thought. It’ll save me the trouble.
With a click of her heels, she turned and walked out, slamming the door behind her.
Once the room was quiet again, Evelyn opened her eyes.
It was hard to say what hurt more—her legs, her head, or the hollow ache in her chest.