PRESENT

Ivy's eyes widened in shock and confusion. "Why did Jeremy follow you into your room like that?" she asked, but Irene just chuckled bitterly, her eyes glinting with a mix of sadness and amusement.

"You're intrigued, aren't you?" she asked, brushing off Ivy's question as she slumped back on the sofa. "You know it's your fault. If you hadn't storm off from the house, maybe, just maybe, mother would still be alive."

Ivy's confusion deepened as she could sense the pain and resentment in Irene's voice. "How could you say that, Irene?" Ivy said, feeling a knot form in her stomach as she realized that Irene was once again...