CHAPTER 107

April's POV

I took a deep breath and let the words spill out, like a dam breaking. "I'm an addict," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm addicted to prescription pills, opioids, and other substances." The room fell silent, except for Augustine's sudden burst of laughter.

"Oh, April, you're joking!" he exclaimed, chuckling uncontrollably. "What kind of drugs do you take? Vitamin C or Paracetamol?" His laughter cut deep, making my face burn with shame. How could he not understand? Didn't he see the pain in my eyes?

But then, Camilla stood up, her eyes flashing with anger. "It's true," she said, her voice firm. "Aunt April's been struggling with addiction." Her words were like a lifeline, pulling me back from the brink of despair.

The room froze, like time itself had stopped. Lucien's smile faltered, Carly's eyes widened in shock, Emma's face fell, Gabe's expression turned somber, and Rosaline's mouth hung open. Augustine's laughter died abruptly, replaced by an awkward silence.