There was nothing left in her but anger anymore and years of swallowing pain. Years of being the older sister, the shield, the plan, the sacrifice. Years of pretending she was fine so Valentina could stay soft a little longer. Years of carrying their mother's absence on her back like a curse and a duty.
"How dare you, Val?!" she screamed. Her chest heaved. Her hands shook. "Every single thing I have done since Mom died was to make sure you do not have to see the cruelty of life. I worked myself to the bone to make sure you had everything you needed. I put my life on hold. I walked into the unknown because I couldn't let you!"
That ugly, filthy accusation Val had thrown at her like all Vee had ever been was a body passed to Luca was an unforgiveable slap.
