Karen always played by one rule: never let herself be shortchanged!
After all, if her best friend was involved, Karen automatically assumed she was in the right.
“Karen, love isn't something you can tally up like a grocery bill,” Dorothy said, wiping away a tear and forcing a smile. “And | don't
want to.”
It was over. That was that.
If Quincy hadn't shown up in Everett's life, Dorothy would have held on a bit longer, even against his cold indifference. But now,
there was someone else.
Everything had changed.
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“Everett is breaking up with you just because of his mom? | swear, Quincy's got to be part of the reason.”
Karen couldn't believe that the love Everett had shown Dorothy could be overshadowed by his mom's passing. It either meant his
past affection was a facade, or there was more to the story.
Dorothy didn't respond, neither confirming nor denying. Everett had never admitted to anything with Quincy, but all signs pointed
that way.
“No, I've got to confront Jeffrey about this. If he can't givea straight answer, I'm going straight to Everett.”
Her friend was not going to be the one to lose out.
“Please, don't,” Dorothy begged.
If Karen intervened, it would seem like Dorothy had sanctioned it. They had loved each other once, shared two kids, and were
bound to cross paths again. Dorothy didn't want to seem desperate.
“You!” Karen was frustrated yet sympathetic.
Just when it seemed like all the storms had passed and they could finally be at peace, it all fell apart.
“Dorothy, are you really okay with letting Everett go?”
“What choice do | have?” Dorothy sighed. “By his account, | owe him. Every t| mentioned breaking up, | was decisive, never
considering his feelings. So now, it's his turn.”
“Doesn't he realize you were trying to protect his reputation? If you had made him take your side publicly against his mom, he'd be
the one everyone hated! Dorothy, did you ever tell him that?”
Dorothy shook her head. “I don't want his pity.”
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“Karen, I'm thinking of taking the kids and leaving Eldorria City, maybe even the country.”
Dorothy wanted to escape to a place where Everett didn't exist, perhaps fooling herself into believing they never met again. With
the legal matters settled, moving abroad seemed like a fresh start for her and the kids.
“But...”
Before, Karen would have immediately agreed and started packing. But now, she had her daughter and Jeffrey.
She couldn't just up and leave anymore.
“Karen, don't worry about me. I'll manage on my own,” Dorothy assured her, patting her hand. “You stay in Eldorria City and be
happy. Jeffrey is good to you. You two will be happy.”
“How can | not worry? Maybe my brother can—"