Chapter 80

Fractured Lives

Charlotte slammed the door shut behind her, her breaths coming in short, sharp gasps. The moment she stepped inside her apartment, her knees buckled.

She crashed onto the floor, the sobs came violently.

Gut-wrenching. Shattering.

Elaine rushed over. “Charlotte!”

Charlotte shook her head, wrapping her arms around herself. “I—He—” Her voice broke.

Elaine knelt beside her, pulling her into a tight hug. “I’m here. Breathe, just breathe.”

But Charlotte couldn’t. Her entire world had just collapsed.

Elaine stroked her back, whispering softly. “Talk to me, Char. Tell me everything.”

Charlotte inhaled shakily. “It’s my mother.”

Elaine stilled. “What do you mean?”

Charlotte lifted her head, her...