Lover's Betrayal: Misfits of the Lore Series Read Online Free PDF Page A

took all of her strength not to just run away and give up now.
    Quitting was not an option. This trip, this moment, was too important. She could not surrender to her fear and withdraw to her sadness. She would face her son and welcome him with love even if he welcomed her with hate.
    “Julian, it’s so good to see you. It has been too long. I’ve missed you horribly.”
    Olivia took a deep breath and walked closer to her son, pulling him into her embrace. He did not fight her, but he did not return the hug. After a moment, she took several steps back, waiting for him to say something, but he remained a silent wall, just staring at her with those eyes of disdain.
    “My darling, I’m so glad you called me. I really wanted to see you again and talk.”
    “I called you to help with Kaden, not to talk to me,” Julian responded so coldly that Olivia’s desire to flee resurfaced. Too shocked to respond, Corinne stepped in to admonish Julian.
    “Do not talk to your mother like that!” Corinne warned. Her once affectionate eyes were now glacial. “Show her some respect, or I will teach you a tough lesson in respect.”
    “I’m not a child anymore, Aunt Cori…” Corinne grabbed Julian by his collar, lifting him several feet off the ground and silencing him before he could finish his words.
    “You may not be a child, but I’m still much older and much stronger than you. Although I love you like a son, I will not stand by and watch you disrespect Livy. She’s your mother and you’ll treat her with respect and dignity -- otherwise, I’ll treat you like a misbehaving child in need of serious punishment. Do not doubt my words. You have known me long enough to know when I’m playing and when I’m not. I’m not playing with you now, Julian.”
    Julian knew Corinne was right. He hated the reprimand, but speaking to his mother in that harsh tone was wrong. He asked her to come here and without hesitation, she arrived. Although she came to help Kaden, she came at his request. He should at least be grateful to her for helping him deal with his problem brother.
    “I apologize for the way I spoke to you, Mother. Thank you for coming.”
    The response was not as warm and fuzzy as Corinne would have liked, but it was acceptable. She let go of Julian’s collar and tapped him a few times on the cheek. “Now that’s a good boy.” Julian rolled his eyes in disgust.
    As much as Julian wanted to be angry with Corinne, he could not. She was right, he was wrong, and he needed her to help keep the peace while his mother and Kaden were here. He would need one person on his side and Corinne was the best option.
    Julian gave her a phony, but playful smile. “Why don’t we go to the house and get something to eat. I’m sure you both must be hungry after the long flight.” Julian reached for their bags and escorted Olivia and Corinne to his house.
    Olivia stood there a moment watching them proceed up the driveway. She had hoped Julian would soften toward her during all these years apart, but the distance seemed to harden his heart toward her even more. She hated the fact that Corinne had to step in and fix things while she watched silently. She could not find any words. Olivia wanted to be tougher, knowing that winning Julian’s love, or at least his respect, would require every ounce of strength she had, but already she had failed at her first test. She wilted away at soon as Julian unleashed his ire. This was just the beginning and if she couldn’t handle this outburst, how could she handle the confrontations that would inevitably ensue?
    She began to wonder if trying to repair all these wounds was the wrong approach. Maybe peace could come only when she was no longer around to cause him pain. Her very presence tainted his soul. Maybe her end would revive it.
    “It’s too late for you and him. He doesn’t want you as his mother. He doesn’t want you around at all. He would rather Corinne be his mother than you. Can’t you