Chapter 44

The call was cut off. Michael's hand clutching the phone was pale as a sheet. He called Mrs. James to stand guard at the door before stumbling back to his room. Inside the bathroom, Elizabeth had her hand over her mouth, trying to hold back her sobs. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but the moment she heard how worked up Michael got over the call, she froze. William was willing to walk away from the entire Smith family because of her? What on earth did that mean? Was it love? Revenge? Guilt? Or just holding a grudge? And Michael—he was dragged into this mess because of her too? Burying her face in her palm, Elizabeth sobbed silently. Why was she so useless? Why did she have to be the one dragging everyone down? A disgusting smell started to fill the air. Elizabeth looked down and realized her pants were soaked through, though she hadn't even noticed. She pounded her legs with her fists, overcome with despair. She was nothing more than a burden. A worthless, broken burden. "Miss Turner? M