Charlotte then took her handbag and the dress, leaving Gloria stunned in the living room, unable to understand what she had just learned.
Gloria sat on the couch, an inexplicable weight in her chest. A dull anger was overtaking her, an anger that, she knew, had no reason to exist. "Why do I feel betrayed? Charlotte has nothing to do with this." But her thoughts were tangled. The name Jacob kept ringing in her mind. "Jacob, what are you really after? After I turned you down, now you’re interested in my sister? Are you trying to push me to my limits? I’ll never let that happen."
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "Why am I reacting like this? Jacob has the right to date anyone he wants. Charlotte has the right to have her own life." But despite her efforts to rationalize, this burning feeling refused to fade. "Oh no, Gloria, don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by such foolish thoughts."