Chapter 53

I knew all too well how this would hurt Lily and how despicable this tactic was. It was even beneath the moral standards I had been raised with to use her past trauma as a sharp blade and drive it deeply into her. It was vile and shameful. I clenched my fists. I wouldn't have used this against Lily no matter how much trouble she caused if she hadn't gone after Mom. However, Mom was my boundary, and she crossed it. I requested access to the property surveillance at the police station, pulling up footage of Lily brandishing a knife. I insisted on pressing charges for attempted assault. I noticed Darren had also finished his statement after I finished mine. He looked defeated and was already dressed in fresh clothes. However, his hair was still wet as it clung to the sides of his face. He glanced over at me, his eyes void of any affection. My heart skipped a bit as I felt a sense of guilt before I regained my composure. Darren glanced at me intently and asked, "Would you like to joi