She was grateful to me for giving her a home when she was down, yes. But she also hated me. Hated that my existence prevented her from being with her true love. She needed my stability, so she couldn't divorce me—and she twisted her guilt toward Brandon into resentment toward me.
I thought of Mandy's cold, distant eyes.
I thought of Bonnie's perpetual exhaustion whenever she looked at me.
Suddenly, the tragedy of my life crashed down on me.
I had sacrificed everything for a home that was never mine. I had given my life for a woman who didn't love me.
The wind picked up, scattering dead leaves across the bleak pavement.
Bonnie's voice turned soft, almost desolate. She squeezed Brandon's hand, making a gentle promise that felt like a knife in my chest.
"Don't worry. I won't let you or the baby suffer."
"A car, a house... aside from the marriage certificate, I can give you everything you want," she vowed. "Brandon, you have to believe me. You are the only man I will ever love."
Brandon smiled. Warm on the surface, but I saw the malice lurking in the corners of his mouth.
"Aren't you afraid Justin will find out about Mandy?" he asked, dripping with false concern.