Chapter 20
This wasn’t the first time Jayne had witnessed the Vances‘ way of doing things, but this time, hadn’t they gone too far?
Beckett was shouting at the door, voice booming through the quiet hallway. “Edith! Edith! Come out–I need to talk to you!”
He seemed almost deranged, barreling toward the Sumner house as if nothing could stop him. Jayne tried everything to block his path but failed, forced to trail behind him in frustration. “Beckett, if you keep this up, I’m really calling the police. Don’t say I didn’t try to spare both the Sumners and the Vances the
embarrassment.”
Beckett strode through the house as though he owned the place, heading straight for Edith’s room. The way he navigated so easily left Jayne uneasy–how was he so familiar with every corner of the Sumners‘ home?
Beckett and Bennett were twins, nearly identical in every way. On most days, Jayne could only tell them apart by their mannerisms and quirks. Right now, even she wasn’t entirely sure which brother this was–her brother–in–law, or Beckett himself.
Edith had already been woken up by Beckett’s shouting. She dressed quickly and, just before he could barge in, opened the door herself.
Jayne stood behind her, looking helpless, but Edith was calm, offering a faint, unbothered smile. “Mom, go get some rest. It’s late. If Beckett came all the way here at this hour, I’m sure he has something important to discuss with me.”
Water dripped from Beckett’s clothes, leaving a trail of damp footprints across the Sumners‘ polished hardwood floor as he moved toward Edith.
Once Jayne left them alone, Beckett seemed to completely lose his restraint.
He stepped forward, wrapped an arm around Edith’s waist, hot, damp breath washing over her. “Edith, your mother said you’re remarrying. She’s lying, right? She has to be lying! Why would you suddenly marry someone else?”
Edith’s brows drew together. Just having him this close made her skin crawl. She stepped back, putting distance between them.
“She didn’t lie. I am remarrying. The wedding’s at the end of the month.”
Her eyes were cold and distant, like the clear skies of a July afternoon–bright, yet far away.
15:08
Chapter 20
Beckett felt as if a hand had closed around his heart, squeezing until it hurt.
He shook his head in denial, voice barely more than a whisper. “No, no, I must have misheard. We were so good together. How could you just turn around and marry someone else?”
Edith’s slender brows knit tighter, her smile turning icy. “Beckett, did you get confused after being out in the rain? If you keep talking nonsense like this, Salome’s pregnancy might be at risk again.”
She had nothing but contempt for him. If he was going to put on an act, why not at least do a convincing job? Instead, he was letting all his flaws show. It was almost laughable.
How could he even say they had a good relationship? Good enough that he’d fake his own death, pretend to be his own brother, and sleep with his sister–in–law.
Looking into Edith’s once gentle eyes–now filled only with distance and chill–Beckett seemed unable to take it any longer.
“No, no, I’m not your brother–in–law, and Salome’s not my wife. You can’t marry someone else! You’re mine, Edith, you’re mine!”
He lunged to grab her, but Edith sidestepped, quick and agile.
Beckett stumbled and fell, desperate as he reached out to grab the hem of her dress, clutching at it as if she might disappear at any moment.
Edith, keeping her cool, shielded her chest with one arm and calmly pulled out her phone to call the police.
By the time the officers arrived, Beckett was slumped on the floor, defeated and limp, offering no resistance as they handcuffed him and led him away.
Just before they reached the door, Beckett looked back at Jayne, who stood protectively by Edith’s side. In his eyes, there was a flicker of resentment–sharp and unmistakable.
15:08
