Page 186 of Poison Vows

“Because that was the only way to protect you and my mother!”

“What?”

Beverly rocks herself in the chair, back and forth as if completely losing it now.

“When Melissa found you, she told her father and then Teddy found out about my mother and that I lied.”

I scoff, piecing the rotten parts together. “So he threatened to kill your mother if you didn’t have me do what he wanted? It doesn’t take much to convince you, does it?”

It’s then that she looks up at me, anguish so brazen in her eyes, I almost take a step back.

“You have no idea the things that man was capable of!”

Was?So she’s aware that her husband is nonexistent among the living.

“I had no choice but to make some of the decisions I made. It’s the only way I knew how to preserve your lives.”

“Lying that your daughter and I were twins, that was also a life-preserving measure? Be so for real, lady.”

“Oh God, this isn’t how I wanted to tell you,” she mutters, as if talking to herself. “I was going to explain before you got caught in the crossfire, but things moved at a pace I hadn’t predicted.”

“Evidently.”

She sighs heavily before she starts her story. “Melissa is three years younger than you,” she whispers so low, I almost miss it, but the guilt in her tone is loud enough.

I feel this absurd need to burst out laughing but, in the end, I can’t summon the energy.

I can only stare at her like she just grew horns on her head.

“And how did you get away with that?” I ask in a monotone voice.

“When you have a husband that is more married to his ambition than to you, trust me, it’s easy to get away with things that anyone with a brain would notice.”

“Am I supposed to give you a standing ovation for that?” I say scornfully.

“No, not at all… it’s just, I never thought I’d have to explain this one day.”

“You thought you’d never have to explain your lies, treachery, and deviousness? Do you really think you’re invincible, passing me off as your daughter’s twin?”

Is this woman insane?

“Ivy, I know nothing I say now can atone for my sins, but I had no choice!” She steps closer to me, but I take a step back. “When Teddy found out about you, I had to quickly make something up to explain to him and his family.”

“Because I’m a product of an affair.”

Her shocked eyes snap up to meet mine in a rush, confirming my suspicions.

“Obviously I was a mistake you never factored in. You would’ve done both of us and the world a favor had you gotten rid of me!”

I’m stunned by these words myself but as soon as I say them, I feel the weight of them echo in me.

This is my truth.

This is how I’ve been feeling inside.

“You were not a mistake, Ivy.” Beverly rushes to me but I step back, leaving the distance of the whole room between us. “You were born out of love.”

“Love? Sure,” I scoff, my heart aching like no man’s business.

---