When Derrick came back, I forced myself to stay calm, masking the emotions raging inside me.
“What’s wrong, Charlotte?” he asked, his hand on my shoulder, his voice dripping with false concern. His touch made my skin crawl.
I forced a small, pained smile, biting back the bitter words threatening to spill out. “Do you remember when you promised me the moon and stars?” I asked quietly, my eyes locking onto his, searching for any hint of guilt.
He hesitated, a flicker of something—guilt, perhaps?—crossing his face. But he quickly regained his composure. “Of course, Charlotte. You know I’d do anything for you and our little one.” The words felt hollow, a cheap cover-up for the jasmine scent that still lingered on him, mocking me.
With a quiet, controlled fury, I responded, “It’s funny, I’ve suddenly developed a craving for dumplings from the edge of our territory—the ones they sell on the east side.” My eyes challenged him, daring him to deny my request. I knew he’d been there recently. Samantha had streamed it live, flaunting his devotion.
He tensed. “Those aren’t good for you, Charlotte. You should be careful about what you eat,” he muttered, avoiding my gaze.