Vows of Treachery: Claimed by His Ruthless Brother novel · Chapter 5 of 24

Chapter 5: The Kindest Thing She Ever Said

Delphine texted me from a new number at ten that night: Please. Ten minutes. Then I'll never ask for anything again.

I almost did not go.

I went because I wanted to see her face when I had no recording running and no stage around us.

She was at a corner table in the café on Dearborn where we used to study, with two cups of tea in front of her.

She had ordered mine already. Chamomile with honey.

I did not sit down.

"You have ten minutes," I said.

"Please sit, Annie."

"Don't call me that."

She folded her hands on the table. Her eyes were red, and there was not a trace of mascara on her cheeks.

"I was going to tell you," Delphine said. "I swear I was. I just kept waiting for a time that wasn't terrible."

"Two years, Delphine."

"It started after the wedding. Not before."

"That's supposed to help?"

"I'm telling you the truth," she said. "You deserve that much."

I sat.

I pushed the tea aside.

"Why?" I asked.

Her chin trembled. She was good. She had always been good.

"You want it plain? Fine." Her voice stayed soft. "You had a father's hotel and a mother's shares and a man who cooked you dinner. I had a lease and a job at a magazine that was folding. I sat on your couch for ten years and watched you get everything."

"I gave you everything. I paid your rent for a year."

"I know." She smiled through the tears. "That was the worst part. You were always so kind about it."

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