Duper's Delight 2

IMOGEN'S POV

The laughter and gossip echoed around the table as I sat in silence, observing the dynamics while my mind whirled with the unexpected arrival of my mother. Beatrice White's eyes sparkled as she mentioned, "The annual Autumn Gala is coming up. We need to decide on the venue soon."

Evelyn Harper's tone brimmed with enthusiasm. "I think it should be at the Stones' new household. Their new house is to die for."

My ears perked up. "New house?" I interjected, unable to mask my surprise. "What do you mean by new house?"

The table fell silent, the women exchanging uncomfortable glances before Lana cleared her throat. "Your parents recently moved to a new home, dear. Didn't they tell you?"

I turned to my mother, her hands clutching her drink while guilt was etched on her face. "Why didn't you tell me?"

She averted her gaze, staring downward. "It must have slipped my mind," she mumbled, her voice barely audible.

Lana attempted to smooth over the situation. "I'm sure it was just an oversight, Imogen. With all that's been going on, it's easy for such details to get lost."

I nodded, my mind reeling. "I... I need to excuse myself for a moment," I said, rising from my seat. "I need to use the ladies' room."

"I'll take you there," my mother said quickly, standing up.

I held up a hand. "It's fine, Mother. I can find it myself."

Her tone remained firm. "It's easy to get lost in the grandeur of this place. I'll show you."

Reluctantly, I nodded, and we left the table together, the tension between us thick as a wall. Once we were out of sight of the women, I turned to face her.

"Why didn't you tell me about the move?" I demanded, my voice trembling with hurt and anger.

She sighed, looking more tired than I had ever seen her. "It wasn't intentional, Imogen. There's been so much happening, and I didn't want to burden you."

"Burden me? I'm your daughter! I should not have to know about these things from strangers. But we both know why you said nothing."

She placed a hand on my arm, her eyes looking like one big question mark. "What... what is that supposed to mean? Do you think I hid things from you intentionally? Now, why the hell would I do that? I know these past few days have been chaotic for you. But you shouldn't—"

"Enough!" I almost screamed.

I wanted to do much more than that. Because this was the biggest betrayal of my life. The more I thought about it, the worse it became.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside me. "Don't fucking lecture me. You do not have the right."

She scoffed, looking around to see if there were eyes watching before latching to my arms and forcing me to close the distance between us. "I am your mother! I have every right! It's about time you end this bratty behavior—"

"Why?" I retorted, meeting her gaze. "So you can enjoy the fruits of your labor? Did you sell me for status and a house? Is that all I am worth to you?"

Her eyes widened, shock mingling with anger. "Sold you? Is that what you think this is? You ungrateful child! Everything I've done, I've done for you. For your future!"

"My future? Or yours?" I shot back. "You've always been about climbing the social ladder, and you used me to do it. Do you think I don't know about the deals you made behind closed doors? The manipulations?"

"Manipulations?" Her voice was rising, but she struggled to keep it down. "You have no idea the sacrifices I've made! I've protected you, given you everything you needed to succeed in this world!"

"At what cost?" I demanded, my voice shaking with rage. "My freedom? My happiness? Look at where I am, Mother. Married to a man who doesn't love me, surrounded by people who see me as nothing more than a pretty bitch! All because of your ambition."

Tears glistened in her eyes, but she blinked them away, her expression hardening. "You will understand one day. When you have children of your own, you will see that every decision is a sacrifice. You may hate me now, but one day, you will see the truth."

"Spare me the sanctimonious speech," I spat. "I don't need your justifications. I need you to acknowledge what you've done."

She released my arms, her hands trembling. "I acknowledge that I've done what I thought was best for you. And maybe I made mistakes, but I won't apologize for trying to secure your future."

"Well, congratulations," I said bitterly. "You've secured a future for yourself as well. Enjoy your new house, Mother. I hope it was worth it."

I was just about to leave when my mother's voice stopped me in my tracks.

"I will. I will enjoy the new house. I will enjoy the fact that my daughter is now a Rossi, and when the time is right, she will give birth to the heirs of the Rossi household. I did that for her. I would do it again."

I chuckled. Low and hollow. Because of how naive she was being. She wanted to convince herself so hard that she was doing this for me and not herself. So, I had no pity for her now that an opportunity had come to shatter that bubble of lies.

I turned to face her and took a few steps forward so passersby wouldn't hear what I was saying. "Do you know Isaac Rossi?"

"Who? The bastard?"

I nodded, absolutely loving that she had called him that. "Yes. If I ever have kids for Elijah, they I'll end up just like Isaac. Bastards! Do you know why? Because his heart doesn't belong to me. Not anymore. It belongs to another now, and you would be surprised that the bitch is with us on that table laughing at your society women's empty gossip."

Hearing that there could be a threat to everything she has worked for was the only thing that made my mother see reason.

"What are you talking about?"

I just can't believe it. I looked at her in disbelief. "You heard correctly. My husband's mistress is sitting at the same table as me, acting all cherry and cheerful. It's as if she knows that eventually, I'll be served with divorce papers. The scandal might tarnish Elijah's reputation, but let's face it, everyone adores a Sutton. Everything will be forgiven in no time. So, Mother, I urge you to savor whatever you're enjoying in the Rossi name because it won't last. I hope you make the most of it."

"Sutton..." The name lingered on her tongue for a hot minute. I, on the other hand, was done here.

I had to keep my composure for the sake of appearances, but inside, I felt like I was crumbling.

I hurried to the nearest restroom, barely holding it together as I pushed the door open and stumbled inside. The moment it closed behind me, I rushed to the sink, gripping the edges for support. My reflection in the mirror blurred as tears welled up in my eyes.

I turned on the tap, the sound of rushing water filling the small, tiled room. I placed my hand under the stream, the cold water splashing over my fingers. As I looked down, my gaze fixed on my wedding ring—a symbol of a life that felt more like a cage with each passing day.

In a sudden burst of anger, I yanked the ring off my finger, wincing as it slipped off. With a cry, I flung it away, hearing it clatter to the floor and roll out of sight. Leaning over the sink, tears streamed down my face, my body quaking with the intensity of my feelings.

Through my sobs, I heard a baritone voice behind me say, "You dropped your ring."

I froze, the familiar voice cutting through my despair. Slowly, I turned around, my tear-filled eyes meeting the concerned gaze of Isaac. He stood not too far from me, holding my wedding ring between his fingers.

For a moment, I couldn't speak, the sight of him rendering me speechless. Isaac, with his calm demeanor and steady presence, felt like a lifeline in this sea of hell. He stepped closer, his eyes filled with concern and something else—something I couldn't quite place.

"I... I didn't mean to drop it," I lied, my voice shaky and barely audible.

Isaac handed the ring back to me, his touch warm and reassuring. "It's okay," he said softly. "Are you alright?"