Page 125 of The Sinner: James

How miserable can Daria be if she wants me down so she can feel good about herself?

What has she missed in her personal life? And what makes her think that I have it?

“Why would you get involved with this man, Rain?”

“What man?” I ask, trying to buy some time and gather my thoughts.

“James Sexton.”

“What is wrong with him?” I ask, pretending I don’t understand what she’s hinting at.

“Everything. He’s not for you, sweetie.”

Emotions choke me as I process her words.

Why can’t she be my mom without judging me and making me feel guilty and miserable for my choices?

“What are you talking about?” I ask in a shaky voice.

“He’s older than you.”

“He’s a young man, Mom. Dad is much older than you, and Nat is much older than Daria.”

Her eyes dip to her hands.

“He’s the kind of man who breaks a woman’s heart, Rain.”

A voice screams in my head.

What about Dad?

Isn’t he breaking people’s hearts?

She slowly shakes her head before she continues.

“He’s a young, very powerful man who’s not used to settling down, being loyal, or being held accountable. He’s not looking for a long-term relationship, and you must know it. You can’t throw your life away because of a man’s good looks.”

“It’s not because of his good looks.”

“Yes, it is. You know it is. And it’s also his money and his power. But they’re not yours. And one day, he’ll want someone different than you. He’ll forget about you and move on because that’s what they do. Then you’ll be crushed and feel used, and you won’t be able to love anyone else. He’ll leave you broken, sweetie. And that thing alone will kill your heart and steal your innocence,” she says as if talking about her life.

A lump forms in my throat.

“I can’t stop seeing him, Mom.”

Displeasure sets on her face, her eyes suddenly going blank.

“Well, I can’t stop you from doing that, but your father might. I expect you to tell him the news before Daria does.”

With that, she pushes to her feet and walks out of the kitchen, leaving me to face the difficult reality alone.

* * *

JAMES

“Alexander Harrington is here, Sir.”

“Thanks, Lynn. Let him in.”

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