If he loved Lilian so much, why had he agreed to Grandma's request? Why hadn't he told me the truth?
I had wanted Grandma to be happy in these last days. I would have played along, not bothering him.
I wouldn't allow myself to hope—so I wouldn't have to face the inevitable disappointment.
Lilian's smug voice cut through my thoughts.
"Alicia, you understand now, don't you? In Alexander's heart, you mean nothing. The person he truly cares about is me. Even if he's pretending to stay cordial with you for Grandma's sake… in the end, he'll always be with me. I know you like him, so just cherish the last bit of time you have with him. I promise I won't fight you for him."
I closed my eyes and drew a deep breath.
"Are you done? If so, I'll leave."
I didn't care if she saw me as a failure, as a helpless fool. I just didn't want to stay here any longer.
"Wait." Lilian grabbed my hand.
I yanked it away impatiently.
"Ah—" she screamed, stumbling sideways, almost falling.
