"And again if it wasn't Mia, it would've been you and I can't let that happen."
Aria's breath hitched. "You say that like it justifies it."
"I say that because it's the truth. You think Mia would've taken your place? She wouldn't have hesitated to trade your life for hers, Aria. That's who she was. She was someone who couldn't handle not getting her way. She grew delusional and dangerous."
She backed away, wounded.
"Don't speak like you knew her."
"I did. And don't pretend she died for you out of love."
I didn't mean to sound cruel. But the words came out anyway, like a weapon I didn't know I'd drawn.
Her face twisted—hurt, disbelief, betrayal, rage all mixed together. "You're disgusting," she whispered.
That hit harder than I expected.
She turned to the door, snatching her bag off the couch, zipping it up with trembling hands.
"Where the hell do you think you're going?" I asked, trying to stay calm but feeling the panic start to creep in.
"Anywhere away from you."
