Chapter 8 - What Serena Never Knew
The guests left early.
No one wanted pie after the truth arrived.
Serena remained at the table, reading every statement in the folder. Clara had expected her sister to defend their parents. Instead, Serena became quieter with each page.
“I didn’t know,” she finally said.
Clara crossed her arms. “You never asked.”
“You never told me.”
“Would you have believed me?”
Serena looked down.
The silence answered for her.
Richard admitted everything. The failed business, the borrowed money, the missed payments, and the promise to reimburse Clara. He also admitted that Clara had repeatedly asked them to reduce expenses.
Marjorie continued searching for someone else to blame.
“She could afford it. She has no husband and no children.”
Clara felt the old pain, but it no longer controlled her.
“My life is not less valuable because it looks different from Serena’s.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“You have said it in a hundred ways.”
Serena set the papers down.
“Mom, stop.”
Marjorie stared at her favorite daughter.
Serena’s voice shook, but she continued. “You praised me for being successful while Clara was financing the room where you praised me. Do you understand how humiliating that is for both of us?”
Clara had never heard Serena challenge their mother.
Richard wiped his eyes. “I’ll sell the house.”
Marjorie stood abruptly. “You will do no such thing.”
“The house is the only way to repay her.”
“This is our home.”
Clara looked around the beautiful dining room.
“No, Mom. It became an image you expected everyone else to protect.”
She picked up her phone and keys.
Richard asked her to stay.
May you like
Clara shook her head.
“For once, you need to solve the problem without me.”
