The caption read: "[A happy trip with Max! You're the best buddy ever! #Throwback]"
The date? The same day Stacey died—the day he’d abandoned her.
I slammed my phone shut, my fists clenching tight. Those two, carefree and oblivious, living their lives while my daughter lay six feet under? The injustice seared through me.
Back home, I began packing my bags. There was no reason to stay with Maximus anymore. He’d found a replacement.
As I descended the stairs, luggage in tow, I encountered the sight of Maximus and Lalaina. He was carrying her, displaying their affection openly. Lalaina gave me a smirk, saying *I have your husband now.*
"Carrie! Sorry, I forgot to tell you Max and I went to the beach. Hope you’re not mad, sister?" Lalaina’s voice dripped with mockery.
I forced a smile. "Of course! Do whatever you want. I won’t mind." Inside, I was boiling, wanting nothing more than to end their smug existence.
As I maneuvered around them, Maximus stepped into my path.
"Where are you going, Carrie?" His tone was serious, though a hint of derision lingered.
"Don’t tell me you’re being dramatic again?"
"Let her do what she wants, Max. My sister's always like that. Dramatic and delusional," Lalaina chimed in, her voice thick with venom.
Taking a deep breath, I crossed my arms. "Lalaina? Do you think I’m being dramatic after losing my child? Hmm?"
Guilt flickered across her face. I knew she’d deliberately prevented Maximus from attending the lantern festival.
Maximus grabbed my arm, his grip tight. "You can’t just walk out on me like this, Carrie!"
"And why not? I have every right to leave you, Max! You weren’t there for our daughter when she died! You were with your mistress!" I spat, pointing at him and then at Lalaina.
He shook his head, his indifference infuriating. "Shut up! You’re just making a fuss! Stop trying to manipulate me!"
My jaw dropped. "You think I made up my daughter’s death? You’re pathetic!"
"Carrie, you’re such a drama queen. You always use your daughter to get my pity. Don’t deny it; it’s your tactic. And I know you’re jealous of me," Lalaina hissed.
"Stay out of this, Lalaina! You have no right to invalidate my feelings. You’ve never understood what it’s like to lose a child!" I roared.
Maximus remained unmoved, unconvinced. "Where’s your proof that Stacey died?"