All Chapters of Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants: Chapter 81

The tension in the living room could be sliced with a knife. Riele sat at the edge of the couch, her fingers entwined tightly in her lap. Beside her was Charlotte, holding baby Hope in her arms. Utter stood near the wall, arms crossed, his face unreadable. The air was heavy. Every ticking second from the old clock above the television felt like a warning bell.Kim stood by the window, his back to them all. He had invited Jane, but even he wasn’t ready for what was about to unfold. He hadn’t spoken much since the hospital discharge, and now that they were all here, he had barely said a word.A knock came at the door. Everyone froze.“I’ll get it,” Utter said, already moving.The door opened, and there she was—Jane. Her dress was neat, face painted carefully, smile barely hiding the smugness in her eyes. She stepped into the room slowly, scanning everyone, her gaze settling last on Riele.“Thanks for inviting me,” Jane said, her voice sugary.Riele gave no reply. She looked straight ahe