A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 92

Fairfax stood there, watching her with cold, unmoving eyes. He said nothing.

Brinley clutched the hem of his jacket. “It’s all my fault. It’s my fault for relying on you,” she sobbed. “Your face… always confuses me. I keep thinking you’re Faraday, that my Faraday is still here. It’s all my fault.”

Fairfax’s eyes narrowed. “Have you figured it out now?” he asked, his voice devoid of any warmth.

Brinley’s crying hitched for a moment. “I… I try to, but sometimes I can’t control it. Fairfax, please, don’t come see me and the children anymore. It makes Starla unhappy. And when she’s unhappy, she attacks me and hurts my family. Just please… stay away from me.”

Her sobs grew louder, every word painting a picture of a jealous Starla who couldn’t stand Fairfax caring for her and her children.

Just then, the elevator doors opened and Darleen stepped out, her arms full. She saw Brinley weeping uncontrollably while Fairfax stood by, cold as stone.

“Brinley, you…” Darleen started.

Seeing Darleen, Brinley’s performance intensified. “I was wrong! Please, tell Starla I was wrong! I admit it was all my fault,” she cried. “Tell her to take it out on me, but please, leave my mother alone!”

Darleen’s blood pressure skyrocketed. “Brinley, what are you doing?” she exclaimed, her heart aching for her.

Learning that Harriet had been beaten at Petal Villa had left Darleen shocked and furious. That damn Starla! She’d truly lost her mind!

Brinley clung to Fairfax’s coat. “You have to stay away. If it will keep my family safe and make everyone’s life easier, then…”

“Fine,” Fairfax said. The single word was so icy it seemed to freeze the air.

Seeing Brinley in such a state broke Darleen’s heart. After all, this was the woman who had given her twin grandchildren. Despite the recent unpleasantness with Harriet, Darleen’s loyalty was, by habit and by choice, with Brinley.

Brinley stared at Darleen, then realization dawned. “Is he going to see my mother?” she asked, her voice filled with alarm. “With that attitude, what is he going to do to her?”

Darleen hesitated. “Ah, well…”

“Did Starla say something else to him? You have to go check! My mother is helpless right now, she can't even move. He can't bully her!”

Recalling the look Fairfax had given her just before he left, Brinley felt a wave of panic. What was happening? Why had he looked at her like that after everything she’d said? What in God's name had Starla told him?