011.

RAYLA

I came out of my hiding spot after both Jordan and Damien had left the family room. However, Mom was still seated in the same position when I made my entrance noticeable.

Pretending like I just arrived, I looked around as if searching for something. "What's that all about? Are they fighting again?"

"What do you think? See? This is one of the reasons why I urged you to reject him. That boy is nothing but trouble." She responded, standing up. "He had someone beat up some poor girls."

My eyes snapped up to hers in disbelief but then I had to remind myself she didn't know the full context of the situation but still, I hated the way she was quick to paint Damien the villain.

I know he wasn't an easy guy but to outright just make him the villain in a story she doesn't know the full context made me a bit disappointed in her. Not wanting to say or do anything that might make the situation worse, I nodded sorrowfully before making an exit.

I quickly freshened up and after making su