A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 13

Seeing the cold determination in Starla’s eyes, Tanya’s heart tightened. “Honey, you…”

“Weren’t you going to get my clothes for me? Go on.”

“But you…” Tanya hesitated, worried about leaving her in this state.

“Don’t worry, I’m fine.”

“Alright. I’ll be right back.”

Tanya went into the bathroom and found her phone. She’d been in such a rush last night that she hadn't realized Starla would be staying in the hospital for so long.

The moment the door clicked shut, Starla dialed a number. The call was answered almost immediately.

“Starla.” The voice was deep and steady.

Just hearing her name spoken that way brought a sliver of warmth to her frozen heart.

“Bro, I’m in the hospital.”

…

Fairfax wheeled Brinley back to her room just as his mother, Darleen, arrived carrying a flask of specially prepared broth.

“Brinley, dear,” Darleen cooed, smiling warmly as she entered. “Molly picked out the freshest ingredients this morning to make you a special soup. It’s…”

Her words trailed off as she saw her daughter-in-law’s face. “Oh my goodness, what happened to your face?”

Darleen rushed forward, setting the flask down to gently cup Brinley’s swollen cheeks.

“How did this happen? These…”

There were clear handprints on both sides of her face.

“I…” Brinley lowered her head, looking even more pitiful.

“You went to see her out of kindness, and she attacked you for it?” Darleen’s vision started to blacken with fury. “It's not your fault she can’t have children! It’s because she’s…”

“Enough,” Fairfax’s voice cut through the air, low and laced with a repressed anger that instantly silenced his mother.

Darleen met his piercing gaze and instinctively swallowed the rest of her tirade. Though he was her son, she knew better than to cross him when he was truly angry. Still, seeing Brinley’s bruised face, she couldn’t let it go.

“She was wrong to hit Brinley like that. You have to do something.”

Fairfax shot her a look, the warning in his eyes unmistakable. Darleen clamped her mouth shut. He withdrew his gaze, turned and walked out of the room.

“Mom,” Brinley whimpered. Darleen’s heart broke for her. “There, there, my dear. You’ve been wronged. Don’t worry, Mom will make this right.”

An orphan from a group home, completely devoid of manners. Did she have any idea who she was? With no family or backing, how dare she act so arrogantly? Darleen vowed she wouldn't let her get away with this.