CHAPTER 051: Our Dirty Laundry

Desiree's POV

Well, I can't say I didn't expect this. In fact, I planned for it. I rehearsed the words I’d use, the calm expression I’d wear, the dignified way I’d respond when they came for me. But the thing about planning? It’s useless. No matter how much you prepare, things always spiral out of control.

Right now, I just want to go home.

Which is funny because this is my home. Why should I let some lying, cheating, backstabbing son of a bitch and his girlfriend raise their voices at me, in my house? The nerve of them, sitting at my table, acting like they’re the victims here.

I take a deep breath, feeling my heart pound in my chest. Everyone’s staring at me—Mike, Mabel, Jessica, Caspian's mom, my family—waiting to see what I’ll do next. But I refuse to lose my cool. Not over this. Not over them.

“Sit down, Mike,” I say, my voice sharp. “You’re ruining our dinner.”

He looks at me like I’ve lost my mind, like I’m the one who’s crossed the line. His jaw clenches, his h