Chapter 22

"This just shows I've got a great memory!" Bellamy cut him off fast, not giving him a chance to finish what she knew would be some disgusting comment. She sat up straight, eyes cool and distant as she said flatly, "Dad used to celebrate her birthday, so it stuck with me." Back when her dad was still around, every year on September tenth, he'd come home with a cake, smiling like it meant something, saying, "It's your mom's birthday today, let's celebrate." He did that year after year, even long after that woman ditched them completely. Bellamy hated that woman to her core, but she just couldn't bring herself to break her dad's illusion. She figured... maybe he just wanted to fool himself, pretend she was still a part of their lives. As time passed, she watched her father's quiet heartbreak grow deeper. It crushed her to see it, and made her hate that woman even more. Anything tied to her dad, even the tiniest thing, could tug at her heart and make her eyes sting. Trying not to cry, she