Chapter 12 - LORRAINE CHOSE VANESSALorraine called Olivia two days later.
Not to apologize to Chloe.
To defend Mark.
“Marriage is complicated.”
Olivia almost hung up.
“Your son cheated.”
“You slapped him.”
“After your hand was on my daughter’s face.”
Lorraine’s voice hardened.
“Chloe was out of control.”
“She dropped a bowl.”
“She needs discipline.”
“You will never touch my child again.”
Silence.
Then Lorraine:
“You’ve always used Chloe to control Mark.”
Olivia couldn’t believe.
“Excuse me?”
“He tried to be father to someone else’s child.”
“And you never appreciated sacrifice.”
Olivia’s hand shook.
“Mark wanted to be her father.”
“Until he understood what it cost.”
That sentence ended something permanently.
“You knew about Vanessa.”
Lorraine did not deny.
“Yes.”
“And approved?”
“I think Mark deserves happiness.”
Olivia laughed.
“With a rich woman.”
Lorraine stiffened.
“This isn’t about money.”
“Everything with you is about status.”
“You called me dependent after living in house I paid for.”
“Mark pays mortgage.”
“With equity my career created.”
Lorraine said:
“You always throw money in his face.”
Olivia’s voice became cold.
“No.”
“I stopped talking about my money so your son wouldn’t feel ashamed.”
“And somehow you both still resented me for having earned it.”
Then Olivia said:
“Enjoy Vanessa.”
Lorraine:
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing.”
May you like
“Just remember you chose her.”
It would become prophetic.
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