Zara's venom still clung to her. For a fleeting instant, Lorraine wondered if it might be better if she simply disappeared.
Her father had never wanted her. Her mother, the only person who had loved her, was dead, killed by his hand. She had lived an existence worth less than an insect. Who would miss her?
But no!
She shook her head. She couldn't. She had promised someone she would live for him.
Her husband.
Even this morning, he had kissed her as though she were his entire world. He had seen her scars and accepted them. He had held her like a man in love.
Maybe… just maybe… he would miss her if she vanished.
Gathering what little strength remained, she descended the stairs. She couldn't even summon a smile, not with the staff whispering behind their hands, their eyes flickering to her as if she already carried some unseen guilt.
That was when Leroy stormed out of the drawing room. Emma trailed after him, her voice breaking as she shouted about Zara.
Lorraine froze.
