Talia lowered her gaze modestly and said softly, “I never wanted to hurt you. I just love Derek, and I want my child to have a legitimate home.”
No one asked Bianca how she felt. No one acknowledged the betrayal that sat in her chest like broken glass.
Bianca walked to the coffee table, poured herself another glass of water, and set it down gently. Then she looked around the room, meeting each pair of eyes.
“If you have all finished speaking,” she said evenly, “then it is my turn.”
The room fell quiet.
“This house,” Bianca began, “is under my name. It was a gift from my mother before marriage. I allowed all of you into it as family, not as owners.”
Cynthia waved a hand dismissively. “We know that. You are being dramatic.”
Bianca smiled slightly. “It seems you forgot that I am part of this family too, at least until today.”
Derek shifted uncomfortably. Walter cleared his throat but did not speak.
Bianca continued. “You invited me to a meeting in my own home to tell me to leave so my husband can live here with his partner and her child. You planned my future without asking my consent. That tells me everything I need to know.”
Kevin scoffed. “You can get another place. This is about the baby.”