Page 6

“What? What are you talking about?”
“We fell out of love, and—”
“I’m sorry, you fell out of love? You told me marrying Dad was the best choice you ever made.”
“I don’t remember saying that.”
Adelia rolled her eyes. “Well, you did. We were sitting in the kitchen, talking about my breakup with Layton, and you told me dumping him was the best choice I could’ve made and marrying Dad was the best one you ever made.”
“Well, I—”
“You also said relationships have their ups and downs, and I’d find someone like Dad who was worth going through them with.”
“We’ve had more downs than ups lately. Our issues became too much.”
“What issues?”
“I won’t go into the details with you, but let’s just say … I have needs.”
“Oh my word. You are the biggest cliché right now, do you know that, Mom?”
“Maybe so, but I’ve found someone who fulfills me and loves me for who I am. Your father was always trying to change me.”
“Are we talking about the same man? The one who always supported you in everything you did, who took time away from acting when I was little so you could work? That’s the man you say tried to change you?”
“I didn’t say he didn’t support me in my career. But career is not all I am.”
Adelia laughed loudly.
“Is that funny?”
“It’s laughable. Because if you couldn’t act anymore, I think you’d be singing a very different tune.”
“Actually, I’m going on an extended hiatus from acting.”
“Excuse me?” Adelia wasn’t sure she’d heard her right.
“Bryce and I are moving in together.”
Her stomach bottomed out. “Are you serious?”
“I’m moving to London.”
“You know Dad’s in Cornwall, right?”
“I’m aware.”
“So, why would you go there and rub that in his face, practically in his back yard?”
“London is hours away, and I’m not going to put my life on hold because of him anymore.”
Adelia chest tightened, and her hand clenched.
“I hope you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me. I’d love for you to come to London for Christmas.”
“Goodbye, Mother.”
“Adelia, don’t—”