Chapter 57

(Dylan’s POV)

The door opens. "Betty. That's enough" Dad says. I'm tempted to look over at he doorway to see if Layla was eavesdropping too, but I feel like if I take my eyes off my mother I lose. And I most definitely do not want to lose.

"Harold. You should understand the responsibility of the firstborn son! You are–"

"You sound just like Marigold, Betty. I thought you never wanted to forget your roots? I thought you said you never wanted to put another woman through what she she put you through?"

As soon as he says that, it's as though Mom shatters. Her eyes widen, and she gasps, as if seeing something we all can't see. She flails, and Dad has to rush forward to hold her.

Her tears run freely now. What is happening?

Dad guides her to the bed. "Ssh, it's okay. You can still fix this." he murmurs as he strokes her hair. She sobs louder, tears wracking through her body.