The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 108
“What, only remembering to care now? You didn’t think about it when you sent me in. In a place like prison, if I couldn’t protect myself, would I have made it out alive?”
Leilani’s tone was airy, but it cut slowly across Josiah’s heart like a dull knife. His breath hitched. His heart felt as if it were being squeezed by an invisible hand. He suddenly remembered four years ago, when Leilani was taken away by the police-those stubborn, despairing eyes. A rare sense of guilt surged like a tide.
Josiah opened his mouth but found he couldn’t say a single word.
Seeing Josiah softening, Tamara suddenly let out a sob and burst into tears. Huge teardrops falling.
“It’s all my fault…” She sobbed, her voice choking. “If it weren’t for me, Leilani wouldn’t be so angry…”
As she spoke, she backed away, looking utterly full of self-blame.
I
“I… I should just go… Leilani will only be unhappier seeing me…”
Leilani watched her posturing and felt her stomach churn. She almost vomited on the
spot.
“Tamara,” she said coldly. “Your acting is getting worse.”
Tamara froze. The tears hanging on her face, unsure whether to fall
ridiculous.
or
not, looked
Leilani glanced with amusement at Tamara’s feigned grievance, her lips curving into a mocking sneer.
“But… since you’re so considerate.” Leilani spoke slowly, her eyes sharp as knives. “Then go. If you leave the Sloan family, I’ll stay. How about that?”
Tamara’s expression stiffened. She instinctively looked at Hackett. he might actually kick her out because of Leilani’s words.
She
Was terrified that
Hackett’s expression also froze, his eyes darting around as if he were actually considering Leilani’s proposition.
Tamara’s eyes turned red with fear. Her voice trembled, this time with genuine emotion.
I didn’t think you
“Leilani, how could you be like this… I know you don’t like me, but genuine emotion.
couldn’t even tolerate me being in the house. In that case, I’ll go.”
Tamara looked at Hackett and Zadie with red eyes. Her expression was reluctant and affectionate, making Zadie’s heart ache.
“Dad, Mom, being by your side for so many years has been enough for me. After all, I’m just an imposter. If you agree,, I’ll go pack my bags now.”
18-10
“Tamara!”
At the word “imposter,” Zadie and Josiah stopped Tamara in unison.
Josiah looked at Leilani with strong disapproval. The guilt that had just risen vanished completely under Tamara’s performance. “Leilani! Tamara has humbled herself so much. Can’t you yield a little?”
Did she really have to make it so neither side was happy to be satisfied?
“Enough. It’s not like I forced her to leave. She said sho
wanted to go first, so I just went
along with it. If she says she’s leaving, she should just go. Why put on a performance first? Tamara, you should go build a stage and sing opera.”
Leilani couldn’t be bothered to watch her act anyma.”
longer annoyed her. She turned to leave.
Looking at the Sloans one second
“Stop! We haven’t finished talking. Where are you going!” Zadie shouted sternly, grabbing
Tamara’s hand and patting her back soothe
glaring furiously at Leilani.
“Watch
your
mouth! Tamara is thinking of you out of the kindness of her heart, and is how you treat her?”
18:40
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.