Page 14 of New Growth
“I can’t. I know I can’t. This is inexcusable and cruel,” Johnathan said, taking a step toward me. “But baby, please,”
“Please, what?!” My voice rose, cracking on the last word. “How long has this been going on? How long have you two been sneaking around?!”
Ryan flinched but didn’t answer. Johnathan admitted with a soft but shaky voice. “It only happened today.”
“Today?!” I yelled.
“It wasn’t supposed to happen—”
“But it did!” I snapped, my hands curling into fists at my sides.
“Elliot,” Ryan started, her tone annoyingly calm. “You don’t understand. We didn’t mean for this to happen. It’s just that he’s been there for me since Daddy died—”
“No,” I cut her off. “Don’t try to play the victim, and don’t you dare bring Daddy into this.”
“But I have to!” Ryan yelled. “When he died, I was so mad at you. I wanted to break you, to make you feel the way I feel. I wanted you to hurt like I do because, deep down, I always knew Daddy loved you more. Today was proof of that. The only way I knew how to get under your skin was through Jonathan because I knew you loved him, and I wanted to take something you cared about. But I regret it. Deeply.”
I stared at them with dead eyes, the only thing holding me together was the self-respect my father instilled in me. I couldn’t unravel now, not here in front of people hellbent on torturing me further.
What more could they want? How far could they push me?
I know I signed up to be the punching bag, but this was beyond the pale.Was I just always expected to forgive in the name of family?‘Stay strong, hold onto each other.’Surely, this wasn’t at all what Daddy meant. Fuck. Even he would be appalled.
“You’re pathetic,” I finally said.
The silence that followed was deafening. Johnathan looked like he wanted to say something, but for once, he didn’t have the words. The charm he used to always say the right thing had finally run out. But Ryan just stared at me, her lips pressed into a thin line. With that expression, she looked so much like Ma.
I couldn’t stand to look at either of them anymore.
“You’re both pathetic, horrible people. And I hope you suffer for this.” Then, I turned and walked out.
I used the wall to prop myself up as my legs trembled beneath me. The hallway felt endless, and by the time I reached the main hall, my vision was blurred with tears I refused to let fall. The noise and light hit me like a wave, but I didn’t stop. I headed straight for my mother, who was standing near the bar with a glass of champagne in hand.
“Elliot! Where were you? People were looking everywhere for you and Johnathan. Now it’s almost time for the toasts. And where the hell are your shoes?”
“Ma,” I struggled to get out as my voice was breaking. “I need to tell you something.”
She took one look at my face and frowned. “What’s wrong, Elliot? Did someone say something to upset you?”
“It’s not that.” I glanced around. “It’s Ryan. And Johnathan. I saw them.”
Her brow furrowed. “Saw them what?”
“Together,” I managed, the word tasting like poison on my tongue.
Her face twisted. “Together, how?” She pressed.
I gave her a look, “Don’t make me say it. Youknowhow.”
Her frown deepened, but instead of the outrage I expected, she looked…confused.
“Are you sure? Ry may be a little unstable, but she wouldn’t do something like that.”
“I saw them,” I repeated, my voice rising. “They’re having an affair, Ma.”
She looked around sharply to make sure no one was listening.
“Elliot, lower your voice. This isn’t the time or place to have this conversation.”
