Halfway through the dinner, Brandon stood up, tapping his champagne glass.
“I’d like to propose a toast,” Brandon announced proudly, puffing out his chest. “To fresh starts, bright futures, and making the tough choices that keep a couple strong.”
He smiled down at me, clearly expecting me to smile back.
Instead, I stood up beside him, picking up my own glass.
“Thank you, Brandon,” I said, my voice echoing clearly across the private dining room. “I’m so glad you brought up ‘tough choices.’ Because as everyone knows, since my parents passed away, my priority has been ensuring my five-year-old twin brothers are safe and loved.”
Brandon’s mother smiled warmly, nodding her head. “You’re an angel, Clara.”
“Unfortunately,” I continued, turning to look directly at Brandon, “Brandon doesn’t agree.”
The room went instantly quiet. Brandon’s smile froze. “Clara, what are you doing?” he muttered under his breath.
