Gemma hailed a cab and gave the driver the address of the Elliott house.
Since marrying Brendan, she had been living at the Edwards estate. But after tonight, the very thought of facing him again filled her with disgust. Instead of returning there, she chose to go back to the Elliott house.
The taxi stopped outside the gate. Gemma stepped out, walked to the door, and knocked. When the door swung open, the Elliotts poured out-cutting off her path.
Jeremy Elliott, her father, roared, "After what you've done, you still dare to come back here!"
Not a single question came from Jeremy. He showed no concern about what had really happened and no interest in the truth.
How absurd!
For the sake of this family, she once abandoned everything and left the Dominion behind.
Now, the sacrifice seemed pointless-stupid, even.
"Gemma, how could you arrange something like that against your own sister? I never imagined you would become someone like this." Gemma's mother, Averie Elliott, stared at her, distress on her face while the disapproval in her eyes remained clear.
Darwin Elliott and Robert Elliott, Gemma's two brothers, were visibly trembling with anger. They wanted nothing more than to cast her out of the family.
"Go back to your room," Darwin said coldly. "You will stay there until we decide how to deal with this. Leave before we allow it, and you can forget about calling yourself an Elliott ever again."
A short laugh escaped Gemma.
These were the people she once believed were worth giving up everything for.
In the beginning, the feeling inside her had only been disappointment. After enduring humiliation and contempt again and again, even the last trace of affection she once held for them disappeared.
"I'll say this once." Her tone turned cold. "I didn't do that. Sallie was the one behind it. If someone needs to take responsibility for what happened, it's her."
Gemma had just finished speaking when Sallie suddenly cut in, tears spilling down her face.
"Dad, Darwin, Robert, please don't blame Gemma," she said between sobs. "This whole thing is my fault."
Her crying grew heavier as she spoke. "This is on me. I'm the one who caused it. If someone needs to apologize, it should be me. Gemma, I'm sorry."
Darwin spoke immediately. "Sallie, you don't owe anyone an apology. None of this is your fault."
Robert looked ready to explode. "Gemma, stop twisting the truth. Sallie is even taking the fall for you, and you still refuse to admit anything? Are you seriously going to keep blaming her?"
A quiet laugh slipped from Gemma's lips. Watching Sallie's familiar performance unfold again, she stepped closer. "Oh?" she said with clear mockery. "You want to apologize? You want me to forgive you? Then kneel down and beg."
Sallie stared at Gemma with disbelief.
The woman before her no longer looked like the timid Gemma they used to push around.
"That's enough, Gemma!" Darwin shouted angrily. "Sallie already stepped aside and let you have Brendan. What more do you want?"
His voice was laced with undisguised reproach. "They grew up together and were always meant to be together. If Sallie hadn't left the country because she cared about your feelings, do you really think Brendan would've ever married you?"
Gemma laughed again, short and sharp. Her eyes filled with open scorn.
She said slowly, "Sallie refused the arranged marriage, and since the Elliott family needed someone to take her place, you pushed it onto me." Her eyes lifted, sharp and steady. "And now you expect me to be grateful?"
A quiet laugh followed, cold and mocking. "What a pity. I have no interest in Brendan either. Sallie, you can just take him. The two of you are perfectly suited for each other." Her tone dropped even further. "Within the next few days, I will file for divorce."
The words fell, and the air around them turned still.
Everyone in the Elliott family stared at Gemma. Shock spread across their faces.
Had they really heard her correctly?
Was this really Gemma, the same woman who had once loved Brendan deeply?
