Annabelle Linton probably hadn't spoken this much in an entire day, but to avoid unnecessary trouble, some things had to be made crystal clear today.
She lowered her gaze and said indifferently, "If you really love me as much as you claim, you should want to see me happy, not keep pestering me like this. Who does this benefit?"
"Leona Grant, stop bothering me. I'm being honest—this isn't me being petty, vengeful, or impulsive."
"If you're only doing this out of guilt, let me be perfectly clear: I don't hate you anymore. You have absolutely no reason to feel guilty. And if you truly feel bad, then the best thing you can do is stop coming to find me. I don't want to be disturbed."
The room was silent. Utterly silent.
So silent that neither of them broke the stillness.
Leona Grant still held her tightly. Annabelle Linton kept her gaze lowered, her arms hanging limply at her sides.
She felt them distinctly—one drop, two drops... a steady fall of tears landing on her shoulder.
