Blaire could see she wasn’t getting anywhere. She changed her approach. “I’m sorry. I know how hard it’s been, but I can help you through it. I don’t have to go back home. I can stay here, find a job. You don’t need Simon.”

Kate shook her head. “I’m getting married today. I love him. You’re my maid of honor. Act like it.”

The anger and frustration felt like it was burning through Blaire. She was just trying to look out for Kate’s best interests. Why couldn’t Kate see it? “I am acting like it. It’s ridiculous. You’re starting at Hopkins in less than a month. You’ll have plenty to get your mind off Jake. Simon is a pretty boy with no substance. It’s a dishonor to Jake’s memory.” She knew that would hit the mark, remind Kate of who she really was, of who she really cared about.

But Kate was trembling with anger. “How dare you try and make me feel guilty about getting married? You’re being a jealous bitch.”

“Why shouldn’t I try to make you feel guilty? You don’t seem to feel guilty about killing Jake.” As soon as the words left her lips, she knew she’d gone too far.

“I knew you always blamed me! Get out! I don’t want you in my wedding. I don’t even want you to come to my wedding. I don’t want you in my life!”

“Kate, calm down . . . I didn’t . . .”

“Go! I don’t even want to look at you.”

Blaire could admit now that her comment was insensitive, but everyone said things they ended up being sorry for in the heat of the moment. That didn’t mean you cut them out of your life. But that’s exactly what Kate had done. Hours before the wedding, Blaire had packed her things and left in tears, not even saying goodbye to Lily and Harrison.

Everyone thought Kate was such a hero. Saving lives, doing good. Kate had perfected the facade so well that she probably even believed it herself. Everything came so easily to her. She’d never even particularly wanted children, but the universe had given her Annabelle, because of course, she got everything. And once Annabelle arrived, did Kate appreciate her? No, she worked just as hard and left all the mothering to Hilda. That woman was more a mother to Annabelle than Kate had ever been. But did Kate care? No. She fired Hilda for no good reason.