Valerie wiped her tear-stained face.

“I truly loved Christopher.”

“No, you did not,” Martha stated firmly as she stood up from her chair.

“You loved the wealthy lifestyle he provided for you.

Those are two very different things.”

“What do you want from me now?” Valerie asked quietly.

“I want you to face the truth without making excuses,” Martha answered.

Valerie stared down at the metal table in silence.