But before I could take another step, Nathalia’s voice drifted from behind me, laced with mockery.
“Irene, if you have any self-awareness, you’d tuck your tail and run. If you wait until Mathias throws you out himself, things won’t be so easy for you.”
Her words made me pause.
“And what if I don’t leave?”
I never went looking for trouble, but that didn’t mean I had no temper.
Nathalia let out a laugh, richer and more condescending this time.
“You’re not still dreaming of becoming Mrs. Mathias, are you?” she scoffed.
“How ridiculous. Back when he had nothing, you sold everything to help him get back on his feet.”
Her gaze turned to pity, dripping with false sympathy.
“I even heard you sold the house your dead parents left you… all for him.” She clicked her tongue. “So devoted, so hopelessly in love.”
“But tell me, what did all that loyalty get you? Nothing. Mathias still doesn’t love you. The moment I so much as beckoned, he tossed you aside like garbage. He wouldn’t spare you a second glance even if you sold yourself.”
The mention of my parents’ house sent a sharp pain through my chest, so sudden it nearly stole my breath away.