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Novel Catalog
Chapter 18
Noel’s expression faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. “It’s not about that. We all have family obligations, Cordy. You shouldn’t isolate yourself.”
Cordy gave a short, humorless laugh. “Family obligations? Is that what you call it?” Her gaze shifted slightly to Kyle, who was standing by Noel, his presence only adding to the tension. “Is this about your family or just about keeping up appearances?”
Kyle, who had been quiet until now, stepped forward, his calm demeanor belying the tension in the air. “Cordy, this isn’t the time for that,” he said softly, though there was an edge to his voice. “We’re all trying to get through today.”
“Trying to get through?” Cordy echoed, her eyes narrowing as she looked between Kyle and Noel. “Is that what you think this is? A game?” She glanced back toward the house, where the sound of muffled conversation still lingered in the background. “You’re all just trying to pretend nothing happened, huh? Trying to make it seem like nothing’s wrong while everything is falling apart.”
Noel opened her mouth, about to retort, but Cordy cut her off with a sharp gesture. “Don’t bother, Noel. Save it for someone who cares. I’m done playing along with this farce.”
With that, Cordy turned on her heel and walked toward the gates, not bothering to look back.
Noel stood frozen, her face flushing with a mix of frustration and anger, but she said nothing more. Kyle watched her for a moment, then gave a small, resigned shrug as if he, too, had expected this response from Cordy.
Cordy, however, was already halfway out the gates when she paused and turned around once more. She fixed Kyle with a steady gaze. “And for the record, Kyle,” she said, her voice low but deliberate, “I don’t need your pity or your advice. I can handle my own battles.”
Without waiting for a response, she pushed open the gate and stepped into the quiet street, leaving behind a scene full of people pretending everything was fine when it clearly wasn’t.
The wind ruffled her hair as she walked away from the Sachs’ mansion. The extravagant feast, the fake smiles, the pointless words—they were all behind her now.
As she reached her car, Cordy couldn’t help but let out a long, slow breath. This was just the beginning. The Sachs might think they were in control, but she was done being a passive observer.