I stood frozen, staring at the man who had destroyed my life six months ago. Alistair's smile faltered under my icy glare.
"You need to leave." My voice was sharp enough to cut glass.
"Hazel, please. Just five minutes." He held up a small cake box with his free hand. "I remembered your favorite—red velvet."
"How thoughtful," I spat. "Too bad you didn't remember your wedding vows."
Grandmother placed her hand on my shoulder. Her touch was gentle, but I could feel her tension.
"Mr. Everett," she said with forced politeness, "this is a private family gathering."
Alistair stepped further into the apartment anyway, his eyes pleading. "Mrs. Lancaster, I know I've made terrible mistakes. I just want a chance to make things right."
"By crashing my birthday party?" I crossed my arms. "Where's your cancer-stricken wife? Shouldn't you be fulfilling her dying wishes?"
His face crumpled. "Ivy's in remission. The treatments worked better than expected."
