Chapter 99

• Lucy sat on the edge of her couch, still feeling the weight of her call with Alessa. Her fingers twitched nervously, replaying the cold, sarcastic laughter of her mother in her head. Every time she tried to shake it off, the words " The bastard's father " echoed again, sinking deep into her chest like a sharp blade. Her jaw clenched, and she stood up, pacing the small living room. She had tried so hard to prepare herself for the conversation, but it still stung in ways she hadn’t expected.
• Rachel came in from the kitchen, a steaming mug of tea in her hand. She noticed the tension in Lucy’s frame immediately and walked over, setting the mug down on the coffee table. " Hey, what's wrong? " she asked, concern lining her voice.
• Lucy let out a long, tired sigh. " I called my mother, " she said quietly, her gaze dropping to the floor.