Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 252

"But Sheridan doesn't love me," Willa wailed, tears and snot streaking her face. "You can't force love."

Janie paused, then spoke with the weary wisdom of experience. "A forced marriage might not be a happy one, but it can still work. All this talk of love… it's not as important as you think. A man's love is fleeting. Even if he loves you now, the moment he sees someone better, his heart will wander. So, don't worry about who he loves. Just marry into the Powers family and be a proper Mrs. Powers."

She continued, her tone resigned, "When you get to my age, you'll understand. The only things that are real are the money and status you can hold in your hand. Love is just a fairytale they tell little girls like you. Look at your father and me. We don't have love, but we've managed just fine."

"Well… okay then," Willa replied hesitantly. But as she lowered her head, a flicker of contempt crossed her face.

In truth, she understood these principles far better than Janie ever could.

The entire tearful performance was a calculated act, designed specifically for Janie, whom she knew to be an old-fashioned woman. For years, Janie had lectured her about how her mother's behavior was indecent, a disgrace to womanhood. Who could ever warm up to someone who constantly disparaged their own mother? It was for this reason that Willa had never liked Janie. Even though Janie had treated her and Marcus equally, she had never once called her "Mom." Their relationship was civil, but nothing more.

If she had simply told Janie that she'd slept with Sheridan and gotten pregnant, Janie might have been disgusted with her. So she played the victim, knowing full well that Janie had a soft spot—a brainless, bleeding heart.

Willa knew that her only chance of making Sheridan take responsibility was to have Janie champion her cause and confront the Powers family. Sheridan had never wanted her to get pregnant. If she went to him alone, he would just force her to take an abortion pill.

Though inwardly fuming, Diana maintained a calm facade. "This is a difficult decision for me to make alone," she told them smoothly. "Let me discuss it with my husband when he gets home, and we'll give you our answer then."

Janie sensed the dismissiveness in Diana's tone but couldn't force the issue without causing a scene. "Very well," she said, nodding. "We'll wait for your call at home."

Willa's expression tightened with displeasure, but she remained silent and followed Janie out.

The moment they were gone, Diana's face contorted with rage. She grabbed her phone and dialed Sheridan, her fingers trembling with anger. She had warned him, over and over again, to stay away from Willa. And now this—the girl was pregnant and demanding marriage.