With that, Margaret lunged forward, clawing to get her hands on me.
Fortunately, her round build made her slow and clumsy, and a light push sent her staggering back several steps.
Her accusations left me completely bewildered. Though Olivia and I had once been close, I’d never crossed any boundaries.
I wasn’t someone ruled by impulse; I wouldn’t do anything reckless without being certain I could offer her a future.
My slight push only seemed to intensify Margaret’s anger, and she swung her hand back, ready to slap me.
I could have dodged easily, but instead, Olivia stepped in, taking the hit herself.
The blow swelled her cheek, tears filling her eyes from the pain.
Once, seeing her hurt like this would have been unbearable, but now, her act seemed nothing more than a manipulative ploy.
It’s true – falling out of love clears your head.
Seeing me unmoved, Olivia looked somewhat deflated but still struggled to say good things about me in front of her mother.
When Margaret finally calmed down, Olivia asked to speak to me alone.
Curiosity got the best of me, so I followed her to a secluded corner.