Chapter 22 Amelia stared at her, frozen.
She looked at Ryan, waiting for him to deny it, but he stood there, stunned into silence.
Ryan? Amelias voice was steady, but her eyes burned with anger.
I Ryan started, but he couldnt seem to form the words.
From the corner, Damiens small voice cut through the tension.
Mom, does that mean were getting a little brother or sister? Amelias head snapped toward her son.
Damien, go play outside.
But Now, she said firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument.
Damien hesitated before running back out.
Amelia turned back to Brenda, her face tight with fury.
Youll never change, Ryan, she said quietly, each word precise.
And now I know for sureyoull never be part of this family again.
Brenda crossed her arms, her smirk widening as Ryan struggled to find the right thing to say.
But Amelia didnt wait.
She stormed out of the room, leaving them both behind.
Brenda lingered in the living room, her gaze flitting around Ryans expensive furniture before landing on him.
He stood frozen, still processing what had just happened.
You cant just show up here and do this, Ryan finally said, his voice low and sharp.
I had to, Brenda replied, her tone calm but firm.
You needed to know.
Ryan stared at her, his frustration mounting.

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Youre lying.
Am I? Brenda placed her hand on her stomach again.
Do you really want to risk ignoring me if Im not? She leaned against the doorframe, her arms folded, a faint smirk playing on her lips.
Do you remember that night, Ryan? she asked, her voice low, almost teasing.
Ryan didnt look up.
Which night? he replied flatly, though he already knew where this was going.
The night we made this baby, Brenda said, stepping closer, her eyes gleaming with something between triumph and longing.
You were so different then.
We both were.
He exhaled sharply.
Whats your point, Brenda? She took another step, her fingers lightly brushing his arm.
It was one of the only nights that felt real, Ryan.
You werent just going through the motions.
You looked at me like I mattered.
Her voice wavered slightly before she steadied it again.
I thought maybe… just maybe, thats when we finally had something.
Ryan turned to face her, his expression unreadable.
The memory of that night flickered in his mind: Brenda laughing freely, her walls momentarily down as they shared a rare moment of vulnerability over too much wine.
Shed leaned in to kiss him, and for a fleeting instant, he let himself believe that maybe starting over with her could work.
But the warmth of that memory was quickly overshadowed by everything that came afterthe lies, the manipulation, the disillusionment.
You remember it how you want to, he said finally, his voice firm but not unkind.
But dont confuse one night with something it wasnt.
Her smirk faltered, replaced by a flicker of hurt.
I thought it meant something to you, Ryan.
It meant I wanted to believe something that wasnt true, he replied.
His gaze softened briefly before he turned away.
Thats not the same.
Amelia appeared in the doorway, her arms crossed tightly.
You have no shame, do you? Brenda didnt flinch.
Dont pretend you wouldnt do anything to protect your kids, Amelia.
Thats all Im doing.
This isnt protection, Amelia shot back.
Its manipulation.
And it wont work.
Ryans voice cut through the argument.
Enough.
He turned to Brenda, his tone ice-cold.
If youre lying, you wont get away with this.
And if youre not… He hesitated, anger flickering in his eyes.
It doesnt change anything between us.
Were done.
Brendas confident facade faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure.
Well see about that.
As Brenda walked out, the room fell silent again.
Ryan sank into a chair, his head in his hands.
Amelia stayed by the door, watching him closely.
Youve made your bed, Ryan, she said quietly.
Dont expect me to pick up the pieces.
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