I touched the corner of my mouth. My fingers came away stained with blood. But I didn't say a word. I didn't even glance at her. Instead, my eyes landed squarely on Francis.
"Oh?" My voice was low. "So that's what you told them?"
For a split second, something flickered in his gaze—panic, faint and fleeting. But he masked it quickly, forcing his expression into one of heartbreak and vulnerability.
"Ollie, I didn't mean for them to find out. I just... I wanted to come back. I missed them so much. I missed Sara. I missed Elise..."
He staggered a little as he spoke, choking on emotion.
"Please, Ollie, I swear I'm not here to take Sara from you. I won't mess up your life. I won't take your place." His voice quivered. "I just want to be home again. I'm begging you... please..."
His shoulders trembled with every sob. To someone who didn't know better, it looked real. Convincing, even.
Elise didn't hesitate. She stormed toward me and began striking my legs and chest with her fists and feet, tears flying from her eyes.
"You liar! You monster! It's all your fault! All your fault!"