Page 190 of Scandalous Contract

“That’s a lie, isn’t it, Mom?”

I opened my mouth. Started to say yes. But something must’ve flickered in my face, some tiny hesitation, some twitch of the lip or tremor in my breath, because she saw it.

“You hesitated,” India whispered. “You only hesitate like that when you’re about to lie.”

Then she broke. She cried harder than I’d ever seen her cry, her whole body shaking as she pulled away from me.

“You’re not my real mom,” she cried.

“India...”

“You dedicated your whole life to me,” she sobbed. “And I’m not even your child. I’m his. The man Hudson described sounds like a monster, nothing like what you told me about my father. Archie was a monster. So was the woman who gave birth to me. So what does that make me, huh? What does that make me?”

“No,” I said, crawling toward her, my voice hoarse and cracking. “You arenota monster. Don’t ever say that.”

“You can’t love me,” she whispered. “I’m not your real child. And I... I made you cry. When I told you to leave Julian, I made you cry. I hurt you. You gave him up for me, a girl who’s not even yours. Ma, I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry that I made you leave the person you loved because of me.”

Before I could respond, Julian knelt down beside us and took her gently by the shoulders.

“Listen to me,” he said. “Your mother loves you. You come first to her, and you always will, because you’re her daughter.”

India shook her head, mouth parting to argue, but he didn’t give her a chance.

“I’m not my mother’s biological child,” he told her. That silenced her. “Aubrey is. But I’m not. My mom doesn’t know that I know. And Aubrey doesn’t either, so please... don’t tell her.”

India sniffled, confused, but listening.

“I found out by accident. And it broke me. I started questioning everything. But the woman who raised me? She never treated me any differently. She never let me feel like I wasn’t hers. No matter how many times I fucked up, she was still there. That’s what being a parent is. That’s love. Stefanie hasalwaysbeen there for you. She willalwaysbe there for you. In her heart, she’s your mom. In your heart, you’re her daughter. Nothing’s ever gonna change that. You got that?”

India nodded slowly, tears still dripping down her cheeks. “But I made her cry.”

“You didn’t mean to,” Julian said. “And don’t worry about me. Your mom and I already realized we couldn’t work out. That’s not your fault.”

My throat tightened as I looked at him, more tears slipping out before I could stop them. Was he really letting me go? He’d said he wouldn’t. But... this felt final. I couldn’t blame him. I’d let go first.

“Go to your mom,” he told India gently. “Let’s get out of here.”

“But Hudson...” India started.

Julian’s expression darkened. “Won’t be bothering your family again. I’ve made sure of it.”

India looked at him, then back at me. I reached for her, and she let me. I hugged her as tightly as I could, afraid that if I let go, she might vanish again. We held on to each other as Julian walked us back to the car.

He opened the door for her, helped her into the back seat, then closed it carefully. I slid into the passenger side, watching his jaw flex as he started the engine.

“Does she need a doctor?” he asked.

“No,” India said softly. “I just want to be with my mom.”

“Okay.”

We drove home in silence, with me constantly checking the back seat to make sure India was okay. When we reached my place, Julian walked us to the porch. I turned to him.

“Thank you, Julian.”

India echoed my words. “Don’t tell Aubrey,” she added. “Please.”

Julian nodded. “I won’t, kiddo. Are you sure you’re okay?”