Adrian said calmly, "Honey, why aren't you back yet? Mom's waiting to chat with you."That soft tone froze me in place.Evelyn waved her phone at me, eyes bright with triumph, and cooed, "Babe, tell Mom to wait a minute. I'll be right back."Mom? Could it be that my mother-in-law, the one who'd always looked down on me, tossing out snide remarks and veiled insults whenever she spoke, knew about this too?Hearing the indulgent warmth in Adrian's voice twisted something inside me. I snatched the phone away and barked, "Adrian, get out here right now!"He frowned. "Who's there?"Evelyn glared at me through gritted teeth. "A beggar. I was about to shoo her away."Adrian's voice turned sharp. "Everyone at tonight's banquet is important. Don't let a piece of trash spoil the occasion."Back then, before I boarded the plane, he'd clung to me with red-rimmed eyes, saying he'd miss me. And now, over the phone, he couldn't even recognize my voice. "Adrian, listen to me! Don't you want the
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