Ethan lowered his eyes.
“…while I was learning how to feed and care for two newborns…”
I pointed toward Isla.
“…you were secretly meeting your daughter.”
“I didn’t know how to tell you.”
“That is not the same as protecting me.”
“You were overwhelmed.”
I laughed once.
A sharp, disbelieving sound.
“So that was your excuse?”
“Nora—”
“You told her I was too fragile?”
Isla looked down.
“He said there was never a good time.”
I stared at Ethan.
“You used my recovery to justify lying.”
“I was scared you would leave.”
“So instead, you made me question my own judgment.”
My voice shook.
“You blamed exhaustion.”
“The babies.”
“My imagination.”
“And you lied about the money.”
I turned toward Isla.
“What was the money for?”
She immediately looked guilty.
“Bills.”
“After Mom died, I needed help.”
Her voice cracked.
“I didn’t know he took it from your emergency account until later. I asked him for help again and he told me.”
