Page 124 of Chasing Hope

I think about my future kids, my little girl coming to me, her body quaking, voice broken and raw as she lays her soul bare for me.

I would go postal.

I would be put behind bars.

I wouldn’t stop until I was in handcuffs.

And yet she looked at me as her mind made a choice.

And that choice was not me.

I could never do what she has done and that’s why I will never forgive her.

“Perhaps this conversation can be had another time? Evie has had quite the eventful evening already.”

I’m thankful for Matteo trying to stop this collision from occurring but I can see my mother straightening her shoulders and pursing her lips and I know—it’s her way or the highway. It’s always been like this, and I just never realized it until I finally went against what she wanted.

Placing her purse on the kitchen countertop, she pats Matteo’s arm. “So sweet of you, still protecting my little Evie, but this conversation is between my daughter and me, Matteo.”

Even still, Matteo moves until he’s standing slightly in front of me, as if trying to physically block me from whatever my mother wants to spew at my feet.

It never used to be like this.

We used to have such a tender, loving relationship.

Until she chosehim.

The reminder of all she said to me hits me like a freight train. “You know what?” I suddenly say, pushing myself off the kitchen island, my feet now unstuck. “Matteo’s right, it’s been a night.”And I no longer have to listen to your bullshit.I pick up her bag, shoving it against her chest and using it to physically turn her and push her toward the front door. “We can talk another time. Thanks for stopping by.”

“Evie, stop this nonsense,” she says, low enough so Matteo doesn’t hear. “You’re breaking his heart?—”

Anger, hot and venomous, bubbles within me.

Breakinghisheart?

Is she fucking serious?

Opening the door, I push her through it, not feeling a lick of guilt as I hiss under my breath, “Go to fucking hell.”

“I beg your pardon?” With wide eyes, she gasps, laying her black manicured nails against her chest. “Whether you like me right now or not, Evie, I’m still your mother.”

“Exactly!” I scream, my temper erupting. “You’re my mother and you chose him!”

“Stop acting like a child. There are no sides when the truth?—”

“Get out of my fucking face,” I spit.

She blinks at me in shock. “How dare you speak to me in such a manner.”

“How dareyou,” I correct. “How dareyoustand there and ask me to forgive him. How dareyouhave the fucking nerve to say I’m the one breaking his heart when he brokeme.”

Before she can open her mouth again, I slam the door in her face and turn the lock.

I quickly rush past Matteo, running up the stairs so he can’t see the tears in my eyes and the way panic consumes my body. I can’t help but hate how my family has taken the happiest night of my life and turned it into something I now despise.

Chapter 37

Matteo