Chapter 28
SOPHIA’S POV
I pulled Ashley into the upstairs bedroom and closed the door firmly behind us. The sound echoed louder than I expected.
My heart was already pounding. My wolf was restless under my skin. It was funny how it sensed danger where I should feel safety.
Ashley pulled her arm free and spun around. Her face twisted with rage.
“I hate this house!” she screamed. “I hate being here! I don’t want to stay p>
Her voice was loud enough that I knew everyone downstairs could hear. Shame burned my chest, but I swallowed it down. I forced my tone to stay calm even as my wolf growled inside me. She was wounded and hurt by Ashley’s behavior as well.
I took in a deep breath. I had no idea how to deal with Ashley’s tantrums but I decided to handle it like an adult.
“Lower your voice,” I said carefully. “Sit down p>
“No!” She began pacing the room, her small feet stomping hard against the floor. “You embarrassed me downstairs! Everyone was staring because of you p>
“Ashley, stop,” I said. “Look at me p>
She stopped suddenly and glared at me. Her eyes were cold in a way that made my breath catch.
“I don’t want you as my mom anymore,” she screamed. “I don’t recognize you p>
My wolf went completely still.
“What did you say?” My voice was so weak. It was barely holding together. “Ashley, what do you mean p>
She crossed her arms tightly. “Tiffany understands me better than you ever will p>
My chest hurt. Physically hurt.
“I am your mother,” I said. “I carried you. I raised you. I love you p>
“Tiffany is better,” she shot back without hesitation. “She’s prettier. She’s kinder. She’s richer. She never disappoints me like you do p>
Every comparison hurt me even deeper.
“Who taught you to talk like this?” I asked. “Who told you these things p>
“Nobody taught me unlike you.” she shouted. “You always tell me what to do! You’re embarrassing p>
My chest tightened. “I am not embarrassing you. I’m your mother p>
She spun toward me. Her eyes burned with so much hatred that I flinched. “I said I don’t want you as my mom anymore, so stop saying you’re my mom p>
“Ashley, you don’t mean that p>
“Yes, I do!” she screamed. “You’re weak! Everyone laughs at you p>
My heart sank.
“But no one laughs at Tiffany. And Tiffany,” Ashley sniffed then continued loudly, “she understands me. She listens. She buys me things. She doesn’t cry all the time like you p>
“I don’t cry all the time p>
“Yes, you do!” she yelled. “It makes you ugly. Tiffany is prettier than you. She smells better than you. She wears nice clothes. Everyone likes her p>
Each word felt like claws digging into my chest.
“She’s way better,” Ashley went on. “She’s kinder. She never disappoints me. You always do p>
“I have always been here for you p>
“No, you haven’t p>
“But I have.” I said desperately. “I love you p>
Ashley scoffed the folded her little arms. “I don’t love you p>
I stumbled back, dazed. First she didn’t want me as her mother, second she preferred Tiffany to me, third she didn’t love me.
I didn’t know which one hurt more.
My voice cracked. “Ashley. Words hurt. You can’t speak like this p>
She clapped her hands over her ears. “I don’t care! Stop talking p>
Then she screamed louder. My wolf whimpered. She felt overwhelmed by the pain pouring off both of us.
My strength left me all at once and I sank onto the edge of the bed.
At first, tears fell down my cheeks and I cried silently. The room went quiet. After a long moment, I felt her eyes on me.
“Can we go home?” She asked.
I wiped my face. I didn’t argue. I didn’t explain. I just nodded.
“Yes,” I said. “We’ll go p>
We left Sky Manor without speaking to anyone. The drive was silent and heavy. I focused on the road, forcing myself not to cry again.
When we reached Damien’s villa, Ashley opened the door and ran inside. Her voice echoed immediately. “Tiffany! Can I bathe with your perfume today p>
I stepped inside slowly and froze.
Damien and Tiffany stood together in matching pajamas, looking so close so intimate and so happy.
My eyes caught on a clear lipstick mark on Damien’s neck. Tiffany’s lipstick. Something inside me collapsed completely.
Ashley ran straight to Tiffany and hugged her.
“Of course you can use my perfumes and scented wash,” Tiffany said sweetly, stroking her hair.
I stood there. Damien noticed my stare but said nothing. That was it.
I straightened my back and lifted my chin.
My voice was calm when I spoke, even though I was in pain.
“Damien,” I said, “I want a divorce p>