The sight almost made me laugh. He was cradling her hand gently, looking at her with concern. Patricia leaned into him, looking up at me with a smug little smile, clearly loving this.
Patricia’s eyes met mine, and her lips curled into a smirk. “Lucille,” she said sweetly, “I had a bad fall on that hike with Kelvin. He was so sweet to take me to the hospital and bring me back here. Hope that’s alright with you?”
“Do whatever you want.” My voice was steadier than I felt. I gripped the suitcase handle tighter, resisting the urge to throw it at her smug face.
Kelvin’s gaze finally shifted from Patricia to me, eyeing the suitcase. His expression was blank, like I was just some stranger on the street. “Lucille, another one of your dramatic stunts?”
Dramatic? After everything?
Patricia chuckled, wrapping her arms around his neck. “She was always a bit over-the-top, wasn’t she?” She said it with a laugh, a glint in her eyes, enjoying this way too much.
I took a breath, letting my gaze drop from him to her, feeling the ache in my chest spread. “Good luck, Patricia. You’re going to need it.”
Kelvin’s jaw tightened. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means,” I said, stepping closer so he could hear, “one day you’ll look back and realize what you threw away. But by then, it’ll be too late.” I turned to Patricia. “And don’t worry—I won’t be here to see it.”
I started to walk past them, but Kelvin grabbed my arm. “You’re not really leaving, Lucille,” he said, his grip firm, daring me to challenge him.
“Let go!” I snapped, yanking my arm free. “You were gone when I needed you. Gone when Lyra needed you. And where were you?” I motioned to Patricia, my voice shaking with fury. “You were with your mistress!”
Kelvin’s face twisted with irritation. “You’re acting like Lyra is dead.” He scoffed. “Stop acting like she’s gone just to mess with me.”
It felt like a slap. I stared at him, stunned. “You... you really think I’d make that up?!”
Patricia let out a low laugh. “Oh, Lucille, don’t be so sensitive! You always had a flair for the dramatic, but this?” She shook her head, faking pity. “Dragging him into your emotional games just because you’re upset? It’s low, even for you.”
“You’re unreal.” I turned to Kelvin, my voice trembling with anger. “Our daughter died in my arms but where were you?! And now you’re accusing me of lying?”