Brandon's POV
I couldn't take it anymore.
The questions bubbling in my head the whole time. Yhe shock each of of them leaves Inside me whenever I thought about it.
Those strange phone calls I saw mum taking. That reaction from Elizabeth. All those things I'd overheard.
Everything felt wrong. Felt disheartening.
Like I was standing in the middle of a puzzle where everyone knew the answer except me. Or where the final image of the puzzle would leave me in shock.
So when I spotted my mother walking back into the hotel lobby, I forced myself to move.
I crossed the distance between us before I could lose my nerve.
"Mum."
She turned immediately.
For the briefest second, something flashed across her face.
Something like Panic.
It disappeared so quickly I almost thought I imagined it.
Then her usual smile appeared.
So perfect. Well polished.
Controlled.
"Brandon."
She reached for my arm.
"Oh, sweetheart."
Her eyes softened.
