“She trusted you,” she continued, her voice cracking. “Vivienne loved you, Adrian. She gave you everything, and you threw it away for that woman. How could you?”
“Mother, please—” he started, but she raised her hand again.
“Don’t,” she cut him off sharply. “Don’t you dare make excuses. You don’t deserve to say her name.”
Adrian lowered his gaze, shame rising in his chest.
“Do you even realize what you’ve done?” she said, her voice shaking. “You didn’t just lose a wife and a child. You’ve brought disgrace to this family. Your father can’t even show his face in public because of you.”
He opened his mouth to speak, but she turned away, her eyes wet with anger and disappointment.
“I never thought I’d see the day my own son would make me feel ashamed to be his mother,” she whispered.
And with that, she turned and walked away, leaving the door wide open behind her.
Moments later, another figure entered. This time, it was his own father. His steps were heavy, his face a storm.
Before Adrian could stand, a fist connected with his jaw.
“You embarrassed this family!” his father shouted. “You ruined my friendship with Howard! Do you realize what you’ve done?”