Chapter 7

Before I could speak, Valeria burst into tears, clinging to Hudson. “I just wanted to comfort her, baby,” she sobbed. “But she… she accused me of wearing red on purpose, said I was disrespecting Noah. Then she tried to push me down the stairs!”

“I rushed here straight from the airport because I felt so sorry about Noah,” she continued. “I was just… I wasn’t thinking about clothes. Hudson, you know how scared I get. I’m terrified!” Her sobs were perfectly timed.

Hudson’s face darkened as he turned on me. “You’re the one who couldn’t protect our son from that psycho. Valeria’s trying to be kind, and you attack her instead? Over a damn dress?”

“So what if she’s wearing red? Maybe Noah would’ve liked bright colors. Why are you being such a bitter bitch about it?”

I couldn’t protect Noah? I’m bitter? I’m a bad mother? I pointed at Noah’s grave, my voice breaking. “You want to talk about being a good parent, Hudson?”

“Why don’t you just tell the truth in front of Noah’s tomb? Tell him what you’ve done to her—his loving mother!”

Hudson’s jaw clenched. “You’re talking crazy. Our son died because you failed to protect him. That’s all!”

“That surgery saved your life. You should be grateful.”

“Jesus, Reese, you need serious help. Apologize to Valeria. Now.”

Valeria wrapped herself around his neck, playing the wounded innocent. “It’s okay, baby.”

“Even if she tried to hurt me… she lost her child. Let’s be generous. My ankle’s killing me though—must’ve twisted it in the fall.”

“Take me to the hospital?”

Hudson gave me one last disgusted look before turning away. Valeria glanced back over his shoulder, mouthing silently, a smirk playing on her lips: “Loser.”

Watching them leave, I knew my marriage was over. But we’re not done here.