Silence. Cold. Heavy.
My mother’s shoulders curled inward, as if she was shrinking under the words.
I stepped closer to Evelyn. “Pack your things.”
She stared at me like I’d slapped her. “Ethan—what? Our wedding is in three months!”
“There is no wedding.”
“You can’t be serious!” she shrieked. “You love me!”
I shook my head. “I loved who I thought you were. Not the woman who would bully the only parent I’ve ever had just to feel superior.”
She grabbed my arm. “Think about your reputation. Your company. Your image—”
I pulled my arm away. “A real partner lifts people up. You push them down.”
Her eyes darkened. “You’ll regret this.”
“No,” I said. “I regret not seeing you sooner.”
Security escorted her out minutes later.
