Page 97 of The Forbidden Fling

Hurt flared in her chest. “Yes. For all of it. But I want you to know, I didn’t know about your history when it first happened.”

“But then you did, and you still continued?”

It does sound bad when put like that. She sighed. “Yes.”

“Jesus Christ, Mum. What the hell were you thinking?”

Her head dipped. She didn’t know what to say. She had no excuse. “I’m sorry.”

“So you keep saying. But that doesn’t change anything, does it?” Molly shook her head. “I finally thought we were getting somewhere. Like you were treating me like an adult and not a stupid kid, and then you go and do something like this. I wanted to trust you, but you’re always hiding things. Don’t you get sick of keeping it all in? Of lying? Isn’t it exhausting?”

Her words hung in the air. Thick like smoke.

Diana blinked, but it wouldn’t clear. “It is exhausting,” she admitted. “It’s the only way I’ve learned to cope. But I’m working on things.” She focused on the embers glowing red in the fireplace. “I’m continuing therapy. I’ve moved back to England and taken a job at Oxford. I’m trying, Molly. I really am.”

Molly crossed her arms. “What do you want? A round of applause? How am I supposed to trust you after this?”

“You can. You can trust me. I promise.”

She scoffed. “Yeah, right.”

“No more lies. I swear.”

Molly’s stare sent heat rising up Diana’s neck. “Did you sleep with her?”

She pressed her lips together, then answered, “Yes.”

“More than once?”

“Yes.”

“Fucking hell.”

The silence stretched, Diana’s neck pricking. When Molly finally spoke, her voice was softer, a stark contrast to the hard lines carved between her brows. “How do you really feel about her?”

Diana thought of Faye’s grin, of her weird and wonderful brain, her gentle, caring nature, and how deeply she loved all animals. The way she touched her, looked at her, like she was something worth treasuring. How safe she felt around her, like she could lower her weapons and defences and still be someone desirable. “It’s complicated.”

“Complicated?” Molly huffed. “You’ll have to do better than that.”

“I…care about her a lot.”

Molly was silent for a minute, suddenly interested in her hands resting on her thighs.

“I’m really sorry for belittling what happened, Mol. I panicked in the moment. I was terrified of losing you.” Diana swallowed. “I said I’d be honest, and I am. It was just a holiday fling that got out of hand. I do care about her a lot. But that doesn’t mean anything is going to happen. It’s over now.”

Molly nodded, seemingly satisfied. Diana let out a breath, hoping it would be enough. Hoping they could finally move past it.

“Why didn’t you tell me Dad cheated on you?”

The change of topic was like a slap in the face. “I…well.” She wet her lips, trying to gather her thoughts. “I guess I wanted to shelter you from it.”

“Why?”

“I didn’t want you to think differently of your dad or to be caught in the middle. Badmouthing each other doesn’t do anyone any favours.”

“He badmouths you.”

She let out a humourless laugh. “Well, yes, that doesn’t surprise me.”