“She didn’t mean to,” Arthur repeated, his tone dripping with skepticism. He looked from Nathan to Danica, his eyes narrowing. “Just make sure this won’t happen again! I only want a grandchild, with Karylle, no one else,” he said as if warning Nathan of things he knew he was doing.
When the meal finally ended, I stood up immediately. I made it to the foyer before I heard footsteps running behind me.
“Karylle! Wait!” It was Danica.
“Karylle, please,” she panted. “You have to forgive me. I can’t stand you hating me. We used to be friends.”
“We were never friends, Danica,” I said coldly. “You were just my husband’s best friend’s sister.”
Her face hardened for a split second, the mask slipping, before she resumed her pleading look. She reached out to grab my arm.
“Don’t touch me,” I said, pulling away.
I turned to leave, but Danica suddenly stumbled back. She let out a sharp cry and fell to the floor, landing on her hip with a dramatic thud.
“Ouch!” she cried out.
“What the hell is going on here?”
Nathan appeared from the dining room, rushing over. He saw Danica on the floor and me standing over her.
“She pushed me!” Danica sobbed, clutching her ankle. “I just tried to apologize, and she shoved me!”
I stared at her in disbelief. It was so childish. So petty. And yet, so effective.
Nathan glared at me, his eyes blazing. “Are you serious, Karylle? You’re physically attacking her now? In my grandfather’s house?”
“I didn’t touch her,” I said calmly. “She threw herself on the floor.”
“Oh, come on!” Nathan scoffed. “Why would she do that? Look at her! She’s hurt!” He knelt down and helped Danica up, his arm lingering around her waist a little too long. “You’re out of control. You’re letting your grief turn you into a bitter, vindictive woman.”
“You know what?” I said, my voice quiet. “I’m tired of this game, Nathan.” I took a step closer to him. “Just choose, Nathan. Right now. Choose me or her.”
Nathan froze. He looked at me, then down at Danica, who was clinging to his arm like a limpet. He opened his mouth, then closed it. He looked trapped.
“I… Karylle, that’s ridiculous,” he stammered. “I can’t choose between my wife and my best friend’s sister. You’re both important to me.”
“That’s an answer,” I said.
I turned and walked out the front door into the cool night air.