Chapter 2
Violet’s voice was soft and almost a whisper. “Let me go talk to Victoria. I’m sure she just misunderstood.”
On the phone. Victoria’s reply was chilly, almost inhuman
“That won’t be necessary. There’s no misunderstanding”
She slowly set down her phone and fixed her gaze on Yasmine in the driver’s seat. “Drive
When they returned to the house, Yasmine walked beside Victoria, quietly giving her a report
“Ms Marchand dated your husband for years. The two of them were so close, everyone thought they’d get married. But Ms. Marchand can’t have children, so Mr. Langford’s grandfather refused to approve the marriage. That’s why-
Yasmine trailed off, but Victoria smiled faintly.
“That’s why he married me.
One daughter wasn’t enough for the Langford family. Just last month, McNeil’s father made it clear he expected a second child
Another child?
Was this all just careful preparation to make sure Violet could take her place in the family? This way, the next Mrs. Langford wouldn’t even have to endure pregnancy–she’d simply inherit a husband, a son, and a daughter, all gift–wrapped and ready.
What a plan. What a scheme.!!
Yasmine leaned closer. “The good news is, Violet was diagnosed with stomach cancer three months ago. The doctors say she has about 8 year left.”
Victoria’s breath caught
Stomach cancer, That’s what McNeil’s grandfather had, too.
Truly, what a family–they even got sick the same way!
Night deepened. The grandfather clock struck ten, its chimes echoing through the quiet house.
A fire crackled in the living room fireplace, but Victoria sat wide awake on the couch, staring into the flames.
The front door opened, bringing a rush of icy air from outside.!!
Only Gwyneth came in, McNeil was nowhere to be seen.
“Mom, why did you show up at the amusement park today?” Gwyneth’s cheeks were flushed red with anger
“Dad and Violer promised to take me to see the midnight fireworks. It’s Christmas, and because of you, Dad sent me home early Victoria’s heart clenched. That’s right. It was Christmas–her birthday
She stood, walked over, and knelt in front of Gwyneth, reaching out to brush the snowflakes from her daughter’s coat. Gwyneth turned away with a scowl, refusing to look at her!!!
“Ms. Marchand is sick. That’s why we’re spending time with her. She’s so nice to me–she buys me everything Hike and eats wherever want. Of course I want to be there for her, too
But you’re so mean, Mom. You won’t even leave a sick woman alone. You followed us, and now Ms. Marchand is upset Dad’s mad, too. and he wouldn’t let me stay. Is that what you wanted?”
Gwyneth pouted, her big eyes brimming with resentment.
Haley, the housekeeper, couldn’t listen any longer. “Miss, you shouldn’t say that Your mother knitted your favorite sweater for you by hand, and she made you a giant Christmas stocking filled with all your favorite toys.”
Haley felt frustrated Mrs. Langford had raised Gwyneth from birth, and now the child was siding with a woman she’d only just met–turning her back on her own mother
Gwyneth didn’t even look at her Tm not a little kid anymore. I don’t want those stupid toys ”
Victona felt the pain seep into her bones, dull and numbing It wasn’t her daughter’s accusations that hurt the most, but the cold rejection in Gwyneth’s eyes–the same look McHell gave her whenever he lost patience
Haley humed over and tried to cover Gwyneth’s mouth “Miss, don’t say that. You’re making your mother so sad.”
Victoria straightened slowly, feeling numb despite the warmth of the room.
“Gwyn, I’m going to divorce your father
Even now part of her hoped–despite everything–that she might still matter to her daughter
“That’s for the best. I wish Ms. Marchand could be my mom instead.“”
I wish Ms. Marchand could be my mother. The last piece of Victoria’s marriage snapped.
Her mind was made up
This time, she would never go back to McNeil!!
