Chapter 51
The last time Lorraine saw Amber was when she finalized her divorce from Callisto. But before that day, the most painful memory she had of Amber was from six years ago, when they had a heated argument that escalated into a full–blown fight. Lorraine had been eavesdropping on a conversation between her mother, Amanda, and Mona. It didn’t take long for her patience to wear thin, She had heard enough..
“I don’t care what you think. Mona“ Amanda’s sharp voice reverberated off the walls. “Amber isn’t at fault for being more attractive than her sister Men chase after her–Callisto pursued Amber and Anjir. We didn’t force him into anything. That was his decision. Now, if Lorraine refuses to face reality, the simation will only get worse, and the child will be the one most confused by it all. Lorraine is older, she should just let it go
Lorraine’s heart pounded in her chest as she stood frozen, unable to believe the words her own mother had just spoken. Her mind raced, memories flashing back of every painful moment, every suspicious glance, every conversation where Amber’s name slipped from her husband Callisto’s lips. How long had Amanda been encouraging this behind her back? How long had she been complicit in Amber’s scheming?!
The realization hit her like a tidal wave, threatening to drag her under. She could feel the sharp sting of betrayal in every part of her being. Her patience, already threadbare from years of enduring her mother’s favoritism, sapped. She couldn’t listen to any more. Not another word.
Before she could even register what she was doing. Lorraine stormed out from her hiding place. She couldn’t control the trembling in her voice. but it was fueled by a deep, burning anger. “Let it go! I should let my own husband go to Amber too, Mom? The pain was unbearable, yet it gave her strength. Her hands balled into fists as she faced Amanda, waiting for an explanation.
Amanda’s face strained of color, her usual composure slipping as her daughter’s wrath fell upon her. L–Lorraine.. she stammered, clearly not expecting her to overhear. “Honey, let’s talk-
“Don’t touch me. Mom! Lorraine took a step back, her eyes wide with a mixture of anger and tears. The betrayal cut deep. “I know Amber is prettier than me. You’ve made that abundantly clear with how you parade her around to all your socialite friends! I know men chase after her, and I’ve always let her have what she wanted. But do I not deserve something for myself? I love Callisto so much! He’s my husband, my whole life! Why can’t you understand that?” Her voice cracked, the rawness of her emotions pouring out. “Do you think this is easy for me!”
Amanda bit her lip, her expression hardening as if she had made peace with her own cold logic. “Sweetheart, even if you don’t let go, it won’t change anything. Callisto hasn’t loved you for a long time. He’s been planning to leave you you’ve just been too blind to see it.”
The words hit Lorraine like a slap, leaving her stunned. Her chest tightened painfully, and a bitter laugh escaped her lips as tears streamed down her face. “Becane Amber has been working on him at your mansion, where you’ve hidden them away?
“I told you, Lorraine Callisto was the one chasing after Amber and Anjie. Just accept it already. He wants a divorce!”
Lorraine’s stomach dropped. The finality in Amanda’s tone sent a wave of nausea through her, but before she could speak, Mona, who had been silently watching the scene unfold, finally intervened. Her voice was Elled with disbelief. “Amanda, is this what a mother should be like You’re hurting Lorraine even more! She loves Callisto because he gave her the love and attention she never got from you! Do you really think it’s easy for her to just give him up to Amber like he’s some kind of prize?
“If she’s the only one clinging to the relationship, then why shouldn’t she let go Amanda snapped back, her patience waning. “Amber and Callisto love each other. They have a child–Anjie! And Lorraine? She can start over.
“How can she start over when she’s been-
“Nanny!” Lorraine quickly cur Mona off, her voice panicked as she realized what the older woman was about to reveal
Mona’s mouth clamped shut, her eyes wide with realization. She recovered quickly, offering an alternative explanation. For a month, she hasn’t been able to eat, sleep, or do anything but cry over Callisto like a widow!” Mona covered, trying to shield Lorraine from Further emotional damage.
Amanda let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing her temples as it all of this was an inconvenience to her. “That at first. But Lorraine, you’ll get through it. Amber is more important now. You’re not the only one suffering”
Lorraine’s fists tightened at her sides, her nails digging into her palms. Before she could respond, Amber’s voice echoed from behind her, slicing through the air like a blade.
“Is it hard to let go of the man you fought so hard to get, Sister Lorraine?”
Lorraine turned slowly, her body stiff with rage as Amber strolled into the room with an arrogant smirk on her face. Mona hissed under her breath. “Speak of the devil. Amanda, did you bring her here as backup!”
“Shut up, Monal” Amber snapped, then turned her gaze back to Lorraine. “You act like a saint in front of Mom, but why don’t you tell her the truth? Callisto was supposed to be mine from the start!”
Lorraine stared at
at her younger sister in disbelief, her heart pounding painfully in her chest. “Yours” He courted me. Amber. Not you.”
Amber’s expression twisted with smugness. “He was mine first! Aunt Caroline introduced him to me. You just stole him away!”
1/2
Chapter 31
“I didn’t steal anything! Lorraine’s voice rose as her anger overwhelmed her. “He courted me for five years, and for five years, he ignored you!⠀ Before we even got together, you said you were over him!”
Amber fallered for a split second before her face hardened again. “It doesn’t matter. You still stole him. I got pregnant before you even married him! Callisto was always supposed to be mine!”
Lorraine’s face contorted with fury, unable to hold back any longer. With a swift motion, she slapped Amber hard across the face. “You’ve been sneaking behind my back this whole time, trying to steal my husband! Because you couldn’t stand the fact that, for once, I beat your
Amber gasped, raising her hand to retaliate, but Lorraine was quicker, slapping her again just as hard. “You snake! You guilt–tripped him into taking responsibility for your child, didn’t you?” Tears streamed down Lorraine’s face, her voice trembling. “But you know what? You’re right. Maybe I am the only one holding on. I’ve heard him say he doesn’t love me anymore. I’ve heard him say he wants to leave. And you know what Amber? You’ve won. Callisto is all yours. Go ahead and take him–I hope you choke on it”
—Now, Lorraine couldn’t explain why, over the past few nights, scenes from this particular memory kept replaying in her mind and even showing up in her dreams. Why did it feel like Amber was right there, close to her, and she could sense her dark presence, even though she knew Amber was far away!
After divorce he wants[/caption]
