Chapter 16

Paisley stood silently behind Christina and Brittany. Their heads whipped around; shock flashed across their faces.

"P-Paisley?" Brittany stammered, her surprise quickly morphing into a strained grin. "When did you…?"

Paisley’s lips curled. "I heard you became an actress. Needs work," she scoffed.

Brittany’s smile vanished, replaced by a stony glare.

Christina’s voice cut through the tension. "Paisley, what nonsense is this?" Her tone was sharp, devoid of warmth. She snapped at Paisley, ignoring Brittany's wide-eyed expression.

A cold resolve settled over Paisley. She’d grown used to this. Years ago, she'd learned not to expect anything from Christina or the Sullivans.

"What are you doing here? This isn't a place for someone like you," Christina spat, her disdain palpable. "You left. We're not welcoming you back with open arms. Get out."

"Mom, don't be like that," Brittany interjected smoothly, her arm linking through Christina's. Her eyes glinted; practiced sympathy masked something darker. "Paisley's probably just…out of options. That's why she's here, right?"

Paisley saw through Brittany’s performance. Years ago, she might have been enraged, but now, she was beyond caring. The Sullivans held no power over her.

She smiled faintly, stepping towards the gown. "So, you want this gown?" she asked, amusement lacing her voice.

Brittany’s eyes widened, feigning innocence. "Do you like it, too?" she cooed. "Maybe Mom should buy it for you! I can look at other gowns."

"Brittany, what are you talking about? She doesn't deserve it!" Christina’s eyes raked over Paisley, contempt clear in her gaze.

Paisley’s simple outfit – a warm top from a local shop – did nothing to hide the fatigue etched on her face. To Christina, it was proof of Paisley's supposed failure.

Christina scoffed internally. She probably couldn't get past the gate, so she's been lurking, she thought.

As Paisley listened to Christina and Brittany's duet of disdain, a laugh escaped her. "Why did I ever waste energy trying for their love?" she murmured. "From a distance, I see what I once valued was trash."

She approached the gown, a subtle smile playing on her lips. "You wanted to contact the owner," she said, her words hanging in the air. "Well, I’m the one you’re looking for."