The door slammed violently against the wall.
- Enough !
A vase flew across the room and shattered into a thousand pieces on the floor. Katrina paced back and forth in the living room, her face contorted with anger, her hands trembling. She grabbed a cushion and threw it without thinking, knocking over a coffee table in the process.
—She has no right to talk to me like that!
His voice was shrill.
- None ! I am his mother!
On the couch, Elma sat motionless. Legs crossed, hands clasped, she observed Katrina without saying a word. His gaze was calm... almost weary.
"It's all his fault," Katrina continued, turning around.
— Asher! It is he who influences her, who turns her against me.
She gritted her teeth.
— I have to separate them. Whatever it costs.
Elma finally looked up.
"You deserved what she said to you.
Katrina stopped abruptly.
— How dare you?
She pointed an accusing finger at her.
—Are you taking his side now?
Elma stood up slowly.
- No. I'm just telling the truth.
She stared straight into her eyes.
— You are in this state because you are jealous.
— Jealous?! Me ?!
Katrina chuckled nervously.
— Don't say anything.
—You saw Miria near Asher...and it scared you.
Elma came closer again.
— Afraid that one day they will end up together.
She paused.
— Unlike your relationship with him... which didn't last very long.
Katrina turned her head away, unable to meet his gaze.
Elma stopped right next to her.
— Tell me, Katrina…
His voice became softer, but more cruel.
—Are you really going to compete with your own daughter… just out of pride?
Katrina remained silent.
"Because we both know," Elma continued.
"You never really loved Asher.
She huffed.
— For you, he was always just a fantasy.
Without another word, Elma turned on her heel and left the room.
Katrina remained alone.
His fists clenched until they turned white.
Her nails dug into his palm.
Anger, shame and fear mixed in his eyes.