Her things were scattered everywhere, a constant reminder of the little girl I’d lost. The memories seemed to close in on me from every corner, overwhelming me.
Feeling lightheaded, I reached out for the wall to steady myself. I called out for help, and a few maids hurried over.
“Ma’am, sit down. Someone, get her some water!” one of them said, her voice tinged with panic.
I pressed my temples and managed to say, “No, take me to my room. And please, get all of Lily’s things and put them in the attic. Everything. I can’t stand to see them right now.”
They paused for a moment, glancing at each other before agreeing and guiding me to my room. As we made our way, I heard a commotion downstairs and froze when I saw the last people I wanted to deal with right now: Michael and Allison. I rolled my eyes and steeled myself for what was coming.
Michael was helping Allison to the sofa, her arm around him for support. Both of them looked a bit disheveled, still in beach attire, which meant they had just arrived.
When they saw me, Michael’s gaze shifted away, and Allison looked momentarily caught off guard.
“Emma, I’m so sorry,” Allison began, her voice wobbly. “I fell and scraped my knee while we were out. Michael said—” She trailed off, looking to Michael for reassurance.
“Don’t make a scene, Emma,” Michael snapped, focusing on Allison’s injury and barking orders at the maids. It was as if I wasn’t even there.
“Don’t make a scene?” I pushed back, my voice tight. “You said you had work to do. Why are you with her?”
Michael sighed and just stared at me, clearly annoyed.
“Answer me, Michael!” I demanded, my teeth clenched.
“Come on, Emma,” he said dismissively. “I promised Allison first. We can always take Lily later. Why are you making such a big deal out of this?”
I felt my fingers clench into fists, the pain almost a relief from the anger boiling inside me. I was done with him treating us like we were nothing.
“You promised, Michael! You promised Lily!” I shouted, my voice cracking with frustration. Michael looked startled by my outburst. I had kept my composure through all his failings, but now, enough was enough.
“Why are you being so dramatic?” he said with a dismissive wave of his hand.