“Nothing but good to me?” I repeated, pushing myself to stand. “Are you really this blind, Kelvin? Or do you just enjoy playing along with her little act?”
“Lucille, don’t start,” he snapped, folding his arms. “You’ve caused enough trouble tonight!”
I let out a hollow laugh. “Oh, I’m causing trouble? I’m the one causing trouble?” I shook my head, looking from him to her. “Patricia knows exactly what she’s doing, and you’re letting her. But you know what? I don’t care anymore.”
Kelvin’s gaze darkened, his voice cold. “Apologize to Patricia. Now. On your knees.”
“Apologize? To her? Wow. Why would I?”
Without another word, Kelvin’s hand shot out, gripping my arm in an iron hold. He yanked me forward, dragging me toward Patricia. I stumbled, struggling to keep my balance, but he didn’t loosen his grip.
“You’re going to do it,” he snarled, pulling me right in front of her. “And you’re going to mean it.”
I glared at Patricia, who was smirking through her crocodile tears. Her satisfaction made my stomach churn, but I swallowed hard, refusing to let them see me break.
“Apologize!” Kelvin ordered, his grip tightening painfully on my arm.
“I’ll never apologize to someone who manipulates people like you do, Patricia.”
Patricia’s face hardened, and Kelvin’s grip grew even more painful, but I held my ground.
Patricia put a hand on Kelvin’s arm, giving him a sad, sympathetic look. “Kelvin, just let her go,” she said, voice soft and pitiful. “I don’t want to see her like this. She’s still my sister, and I care about her so much.”
Kelvin looked at her, his expression softening. “Are you sure? She doesn’t deserve it, Patricia.”
Patricia nodded, giving a small sigh. “I don’t know why she hates me so much, Kelvin. I’ve always tried to be there for her.” She turned her teary eyes to me, her voice all sad and shaky. “Lucille, I really don’t understand why you treat me this way. I’ve only ever wanted the best for you. You’re my sister.”
She looked like she might cry, playing her part perfectly. Anyone else might have believed her, fallen for the whole innocent act, but I knew better. The way her lips just barely twitched, the glint in her eye she couldn’t quite hide—it was all a show.
Kelvin dropped his arm, looking at me like I was the problem. “She’s reaching out to you, Lucille, and this is how you act?”