Broken Dreams Stories

Chapter 111

The following day, Erie sat at the head of the dining table, dressed in a crisp white shirt. His expression was unreadable as he stirred his coffee absently while thinking about his daughter, Evelyn, and how he had failed her.

Claire, seated beside him, was equally quiet, her eyes downcast as she picked at her fruit salad. She was equally thinking of her daughter, Sandra, and how she had failed to raise her correctly.

The click of heels against the floor announced Sandra’s arrival. She entered the dining room looking forlorn, although her hair was perfectly styled. and her makeup flawlessly applied, as always.

“Good morning!”

“she greeted as she slid into her chair opposite her parents.

Eric and Claire looked up simultaneously, their expressions neutral as they greeted her. “Morning,” Eric muttered, his voice lacking the warmth it usually held.

Claire echoed the greeting with a forced smile, her eyes flickering briefly to Sandra’s before dropping back to her plate.

Sandra didn’t seem to notice the tension in the air, if she did, she chose to ignore it. She poured herself a cup of coffee, her movements smooth and practiced. After taking a sip, she set the cup clown and leaned back in her chair, her gaze flitting between her parents “So,” she began, her tone casual, “how was your date last night?”

Eric and Claire exchanged a quick glance, both of them struggling to maintain their composure. “It was fine, Claire answered, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “We had a nice time.”

He avoided looking directly at Sandra, focusing instead on

eyes narrowed slightly as she studied them, but she still didn’t pick up on their unease. “That’s great,” she said, her voice light. “You both deserve some time

her coffee, then set the cup down with a satisfied sigh. “Anyway, you won’t believe what Evelyn did

name from her, as usual, caused Eric’s hand to freeze mid–motion. His jaw clenched, and he slowly

his reaction for his usual anger at Evelyn, smirked inwardly, leaned forward in her seat, and sighed as though she

not sure

you’re going to speak, then do so. If you won’t, keep shut!” Claire

you believe that?”

fork pausing mid–air. “That’s ridiculous,” she said, her

replied, her tone suggesting that it was the most obvious thing in

knew already because Evelyn had told them about it and had also played the recording of her conversation with

plead with her, as my sister, to leave Derek alone because we are in a relationship. I cried and begged, but she told me that she wanted Derek and that I could have Michael. I don’t

the reasons Sandra assumed. He hated hearing her talk about Evelyn this

growing tension, quickly composed herself. “She lost her job?” she asked, feigning surprise. “Maybe now she will return to the family company

faltered, and for a split second, a scowl threatened to break through her composed exterior. She quickly forced a smile back to her face, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “Yes. It would be nice if Dad could forgive her and let her return,” she said, her

he asked, “Are

Cluper li