Chapter 5 - The Mother's Denial
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Before I could execute any plan with Mark, I needed to know exactly how deep the rot went within my own family.
I left the speakeasy and drove directly to my mother’s sprawling suburban home. The snow was still piled high on the manicured lawns. I didn't bother knocking. I used my key and walked straight into the grand foyer.
My mother was sitting in the formal living room, sipping tea and scrolling through her tablet.
“Claire,” she said, looking up with a frown. “You left in such a rush last night. You really made a scene over a simple joke.”
“It wasn't a joke, Mom,” I said, throwing my coat onto a chair. “Ashley is sleeping with Daniel.”
My mother froze. Her teacup rattled slightly against the saucer.
“Don't be ridiculous, Claire. Your sister would never do such a thing.”
“I have the bank statements,” I snapped, walking into the room. “I have the hotel receipts. They went to Aspen together while I was in London. And she conned Daniel out of fifty thousand dollars by telling him Mark was beating her.”
My mother’s face drained of color, but not out of shock. It was panic.
“You can't tell Mark,” my mother gasped, standing up so fast her tea spilled onto the rug. “Claire, you absolutely cannot tell Mark!”
I stared at her, the realization hitting me like a physical blow.
“You knew,” I whispered, absolute disgust twisting my stomach. “You knew about the money.”
“She needed help, Claire!” my mother defended, her voice shrill. “Mark is controlling! He tracks her spending! She just wanted a safety net, and Daniel has more money than he knows what to do with. It was just a loan!”
“And the affair?” I demanded. “Did you know about that too?”
My mother looked away, unable to meet my eyes. “It was a mistake. They were both stressed. She was going to end it. You can't destroy her marriage over a moment of weakness, Claire. Mark will ruin her. He has connections. He’ll take everything from her.”
“She took my husband!” I screamed, finally letting the anger breach my composure. “And you covered for her!”
“She’s your sister!” my mother cried out, reaching for my arm.
I violently pulled away from her grasp.
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“I don't have a sister anymore,” I said, my voice turning to ice. “And as of today, I don't have a mother, either.”
I turned on my heel and walked out of the house. The betrayal wasn't just Daniel and Ashley. It was a family disease, and I was going to cure it with fire.
