Too Late, Mr. Cooper: Your Bride Ran with Your Baby novel Chapter 8

“You know I just lost my husband a few months ago, and it was recently the anniversary of my parents’ passing,” she began, her voice trembling slightly. “With one blow after another, the grief has been making me ill. I thought the necklace was beautiful, and wearing it for a few days might lift my spirits. Linton was just being kind…”

“If he’s being so kind, he should let you wear it for the rest of your life,” Liliana scoffed. A sharp pang of pain shot through her heart, but it was quickly overshadowed by the bitter absurdity of it all.

It had always been like this, ever since they were children. If she and Isabella wanted the same thing, Linton would always satisfy his precious Isabella first.

Liliana hated it. It made her feel worthless. But every time she got angry, Linton had a ready excuse to placate her. He’d say Isabella had depression, that she was an orphan, that she was pitiful, and that he only saw her as a sister. He’d tell Liliana not to overthink it.

After so many years, Liliana was just tired. She closed her eyes, a self-deprecating smile touching her lips. Pointing a slender finger at Isabella’s delicate neck, she said in a cold voice, “Linton, you may be willing to see Isabella as a sister, but I’m not.”

Liliana paused, her tone laced with sarcasm. “And I’m not breaking off our engagement just because of this necklace.”

“This morning, you deliberately sent Isabella's child to live in the house that was meant to be our home. Linton, do you have any respect for me at all?”

“What?!” Old Mr. Cooper exclaimed, shocked once again. Linton’s eyebrows shot up, and he cast a sharp glare at Mrs. Cooper, who was standing off to the side. Mrs. Cooper flinched under his gaze, her scalp prickling. She took a guilty step back, lowering her head and not daring to speak.

Consumed by her anger, Liliana didn't notice the exchange. She opened her eyes and stared directly into Linton's cold, piercing gaze, her back ramrod straight, refusing to back down. Her vibrant red lips parted as she spoke each word with firm, unwavering resolve. “This engagement is over. Today.”

…

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