Chapter 434

Lila Sinclair blinked rapidly before exhaling sharply. "It suddenly occurred to me today, so I had to ask. Every time I remember how Father betrayed you so early in your marriage, I feel this unbearable mix of fury and heartbreak!"

Diana Prescott's expression remained unreadable, her features schooled into perfect neutrality. "That chapter is closed," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lila's eyes narrowed to slits, her lips pressing into a bloodless line.

With deliberate precision, she demanded, "Mother, I simply can't comprehend this. You're the strongest woman I know. Father betrayed you decades ago. Why endure it? Why not walk away?"

A flicker of tension crossed Diana's face before vanishing like morning mist.

"These are matters too complex for you to understand," she replied with practiced calm.

Lila's hands clenched into fists. "Mother! You always say that when I ask! I'm not a child anymore. Stop treating me like one! And don't feed me that nonsense about loving Father too much to leave. We both know that's not true. If you truly loved him, how could you tolerate his infidelity? How could you welcome Grace's bastard child into our home without protest?"

Diana's eyelashes fluttered briefly. "Your father bears sole responsibility for his actions. Evelyn is blameless in this."

Lila's frown deepened, frustration etching lines between her brows. "Fine, Evelyn's innocent. But what about Grace Monroe? You don't even treat that homewrecker with contempt! You simply ignore her existence! You've never lifted a finger against her! Even knowing she'd take your place the moment you left, you never cared! This isn't how someone in love behaves."

She drew a shuddering breath before continuing, "And let's not pretend otherwise - you and Father haven't shared a bedroom since I can remember. Mother, I need to understand why. Please, just tell me the truth."

Her voice cracked on the final plea.

Diana's brows knitted together as she listened, the lines around her mouth tightening.

Finally, she sighed. "Yes, there are... complications between your father and me. But Lila, now isn't the time for explanations. I promise you'll know everything when the time is right."

Lila bit down hard on her lower lip.

She'd expected this response.

Diana never surrendered secrets easily.

Yet despite knowing this, the unanswered questions burned like acid in her chest.

"Enough for tonight, Lila. Go to bed. I'm exhausted," Diana said, effectively dismissing her daughter.

"Goodnight, Mother." Defeated, Lila turned away.