Zach steps away from Darra, clearly not wanting to get caught up in her theatrics.
When she reaches for him, he stops her.
“No, I’m not Lottie’s father. You took that option away when you refused to stand up to your dad. I would have given you the world, but it wasn’t enough. Lottie should have been mine, but she isn’t and never will be. Elijah is her dad. I’m only glad my best friend was the one to raise her, and I’ve watched him love her with every ounce of his being, even after he found out. You have used too many people, Darra. Both you and your family. Enough is enough. Own what you did. I beg you for your daughter’s sake.”
I choke.
Best friend?
He slept with my girlfriend or my newly ex. I’m not sure I want to know which way around it was. He then stood by and let Darra dupe me into thinking his baby was mine. Not much of abestfriend.
My eyes flip to my sister, who is sitting stoically. Her face is a mask, shielding the turmoil she must be feeling. Shit, this is not just about me anymore. I never wanted this for my sister, and I wanted none of my family caught up in my mess. I’ve spent years trying to protect them.
“What was I?” Kat says quietly. Her eyes never leaving Zach’s face. “If you continued your affair with Darra, why did you need me?”
He turns to face her, his chin dipping to his chest, his body becoming unnaturally still.
“Kat,” he says, the apology in his tone.
“You were sleeping with her while you were living with me? You lied to me. You deceived me.”
A dark redness sweeps up his neck and across his face. A sheen of sweat breaks out on his forehead and upper lip.
“Kat,” he says again, although his voice is quieter this time. “I?—”
“You were convenient. Enabled him to stay near Lottie,” Darra says, her tone gleeful. “He should be thanking you.”
Zach’s face crumples. He cares about my sister. I know he does.
“You’re as frigid as your brother. Is it surprising he looked elsewhere?”
Zach spins on Darra.
“Shut up. Enough of your toxic lies.”
I stand up and pass Lottie to Pen, stalking towards Darra.
“Get out.”
Darra looks up at me, her face filled with hatred, but there’s also a hint of fear.
Caleb grabs my arm, not that I would touch her. He should know that. But I need her gone.
“Don’t give her the satisfaction,” he hisses, stepping in front of me, his hands on my chest.
He nods at me before turning around.
“Get your toxic ass out of my brother’s apartment.”
Darra sends Caleb a look of contempt.
“Do as he says,” I hiss. “Before I return us to court and remove everything I agreed to. Believe me, I have more than enough evidence to do it.”
Darra stares up at me over Caleb’s shoulder.
“Lottie, you’re coming back with me,” she says, looking around us at Lottie, who’s curled in on herself on the sofa.
Lottie jumps up and wraps her arms around Pen, shaking her head.
