Chapter 410
Aurora frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Grace, still propped up in bed, looked just as confused. There was something unfamiliar, almost unsettling, about Tessa today. Or had this always been her true face? Grace masked the flicker of unease in her expression, but once a seed of doubt is planted, it doesn't take long to root itself in a mother's heart.
Tessa scoffed, eyes burning. “I mean, how do you have the nerve to show up here, acting like the doting daughter, when you’re the reason Mom ended up in the hospital?” Her words cut through the room like a blade, and silence fell over everyone. She wasn’t targeting just one person—her fury was indiscriminate.
She turned to Grace, eyes wide with hurt and disbelief. “Mom, why?” “Tell me why,” she repeated. “I was the first one here. I sat by your side while you were unconscious. I waited. And you didn’t wake up.” Her voice cracked. “But she shows up, barely here a minute, and you open your eyes?” A bitter laugh escaped her lips. “This world is full of liars. Looks like I’m the biggest fool of all.”
Grace’s heart clenched at the sight of her unraveling. It hurt to see the desperation and resentment. So, both of her daughters were breaking because of her. She parted her lips to speak, but only a bitter line curled at the corners. She had no idea how to answer Tessa’s cries. Even Leonard looked uncomfortable. At first, he’d assumed Tessa was just being dramatic—maybe even a little unstable. But now, it all made sense.
Aurora, however, stayed composed. Her voice was calm, but firm. “Yes, I upset Mom. That was my mistake, and I’ll own it. I’ll apologize to her. You have my word.”
“Don’t make me laugh,” Tessa spat, full of disdain.
Aurora didn’t flinch. “But you accusing Mom of picking sides while unconscious? That’s out of line.”
“What are you even saying? How could she control when she woke up? Do you hear how ridiculous that sounds?” Tessa stared at Aurora’s calm, composed face and, for a moment, found herself at a loss for words. Lucas, tall and imposing, had already stepped in front of Aurora like a wall—his stance made it clear he wasn’t neutral. He was firmly on Aurora’s side.
Tessa let out a shaky breath and laughed bitterly. “Fine. Got it.” She raised a trembling hand and pointed around the room, one by one. “You’re all so noble and righteous. And I’m the villain.” Her voice cracked as she spoke, but she wasn’t ready to walk away from everything she’d done, not yet.
She held up the bag in her hand, eyes brimming with unshed tears. “Mom, I brought you your favorite fish soup… and some of your favorite snacks. But…” She glanced around again, letting her words hang.
Grace sat up quickly, a flicker of panic in her eyes. “Why are you stopping there?”
Tessa saw the look on her mother’s face and felt a wave of hollow laughter bubble up in her chest. What a joke. “Look at you,” she said coldly. “You’re surrounded by people who adore you. What do you need me for?” She set the bag down without another word, her movements sharp and final. “I know when I’m not welcome. I’m not going to fight for space in a room I was never meant to belong in,”
Without waiting for a response, Tessa turned and walked toward the door. She might have been proud and wanted to win, but even she knew when to stop pushing. She knew better than to force herself into a place she didn’t fit.
Grace called out, voice shaky, “Tessa, where are you going?”
Tessa paused, just for a second. Then, without a single word, she walked out of the room. Behind her, the silence was deafening. Everyone left standing could only look at each other, eyes wide with confusion and unease.