Evander’s POV
My anger surged the mont I saw her sitting there so nonchalantly, as if she hadn’t just threatened Claire. The sight of her calmness made my blood boil. For so long, I had believed I was the sole reason my relationship with Claire had crumbled. But now, it seed my so-called mother had played the biggest part in our downfall.
"Mother!" I snarled, my teeth clenched so tightly that it hurt. "Do you think I am just saying empty words?" My voice shook with barely contained rage. "Do you think that just because you are my mother, I wouldn’t dare do anything to you?"
She looked up at with that sa infuriatingly dismissive expression, her lips curling into a smirk. "Is that so?"
There it was again— that phrase. How many tis was she going to keep repeating herself, testing my patience? Her indifferent attitude was driving to the brink of madness.
"Was this the sa attitude you had with Father?" I snapped, my voice dripping with venom. "Is this why he left you and had a mistress?" I scoffed, shaking my head as if the realization disgusted . "Then again... I can’t even bla him. After all, you are not the kind of woman who deserves love or care."
Clank!
The sound of breaking a cup in her hand against the floor filled the room as she shot to her feet, her face twisted with rage. Without hesitation, she raised her hand to slap .
But I was quicker. I caught her wrist mid-air, gripping it firmly and holding her in place. My chest heaved as I stared at her; it seed I had finally hit the spot.
That’s when a new thought struck like lightning, sending a cold shiver down my spine.
"Don’t tell you did this to my wife as well!" I growled, my teeth gritting so hard I thought they might crack. My mind raced with the possibility, a horrifying realization settling in. Why had I never considered this before?
Gloria stiffened, her expression faltering for just a second before she covered it up with a sneer.
"You wouldn’t dare accuse of such a thing," she hissed, but there was sothing in her voice that was filled with hesitation that only fueled my suspicion.
I tightened my grip on her wrist, leaning in closer. "You have always played the sweet, caring mother-in-law, haven’t you?" My voice was low and dangerous now, every word laced with bitterness. "You had fooled! You made think you adored Claire while I hated the closeness you two shared. But now I wonder... was it all just a facade? Did you hurt her behind my back while pretending to care?"
"I just returned the favor, my dear son," she said as she used her other hand to touch my cheek, but I moved away.
"How could you be so vicious?" I said in an extrely low and dangerous tone as I was barely containing my temper. "Answer did you really hurt her?"
Her lips parted, but no words ca out. For the first ti, she looked uncertain, and that was all the confirmation I needed.
"I swear if I find out you had anything to do with Claire leaving ..." I threatened her as my grip loosened just enough for her to pull her hand away.
She straightened, her mask slipping back into place, but I had received what I wanted from her. I had seen the crack in her armor, and I wasn’t going to stop until I uncovered the truth.
As I turned to leave, her voice followed .
"You are wasting your ti, Evander. She doesn’t want you anymore."
I paused, my fists clenching at my sides, but I didn’t look back. "If that’s true, Mother," I said coldly, "then it’s because of you. And I will make sure you pay for it."
With that, I stord out, my resolve stronger than ever. Claire deserved better—better than , better than this family. But I wasn’t going to let her go without a fight.
And if she left this ti... I will die from suffocation. I knew I was being selfish but I would never let her leave! Even if I had to kill Gloria or beg Claire!
*****
Claire’s POV
The next morning, I woke up earlier than usual with the greeting of the soft rays of sunlight streaming through the curtains. Surprisingly, I felt refreshed and calm, as though the chaos of last night hadn’t happened. My mind was clearer, and my heart felt lighter.
Even though a part of was still afraid of Gloria, I realized sothing important—I didn’t want to back down anymore. She had taken too much from already, and I couldn’t let her have control over my life any longer.
Without overthinking it, I reached for my phone and dialed her number. My fingers trembled slightly as I pressed the call button, but I steadied myself.
"Hello?" Her voice ca through the line, sharp and cold as ever.
"It’s ," I said, keeping my tone firm. "I want to et."
There was a brief pause, and I could almost hear her calculating response. "And why would I agree to that?" she finally asked, her voice dripping with suspicion.
"Because I am not giving you a choice," I replied, surprising even myself with the confidence in my tone. "et in front of the hospital café. The one where Grandma is admitted."
There was a brief pause. Then, with a scoff, she said, "Fine. But don’t waste my ti, Claire."
The line went dead, and I stared at my phone for a mont, my pulse racing. I had done it—I had taken the first step.
I got out of bed and quickly got ready, keeping my mind focused on what I wanted to say. Gloria had always been a force to reckon with, but this ti, I wouldn’t let her intimidate . This ti, I had to face her head-on.
As I stepped out of the house and made my way to the hospital after leaving a stick-on note for Sissy so that she wouldn’t worry!
By the ti I arrived, my resolve was solid. I wouldn’t let Gloria manipulate anymore. No matter how afraid I was, I knew I had to stand up for myself. Today wasn’t just about confronting Gloria—it was about reclaiming my strength and winning over my fear.
And I wouldn’t let her take that strength from . Not anymore.
I waited for what felt like an eternity, my fingers nervously tapping against the edge of the table. I tried to calm my racing thoughts, but they kept spiraling back to her.
And then she arrived.
The Gloria Kensington.
She strode toward with an air of confidence that was almost suffocating, her heels clicking sharply against the pavent. Dressed in an elegant cream-colored coat that probably cost more than my entire wardrobe, she looked every bit the untouchable woman she claid to be.
Arrogance oozed from her every step, her head held high and her sharp gaze scanning the surroundings like a queen inspecting her kingdom. It was as if fear didn’t exist in her world—like she could not feel it. The thought chilled my spine, but I quickly pushed it aside.
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