What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger novel Chapter 25

The celebration had gone from uncomfortable to unbearable.

Aiden's mom couldn't contain her excitement to see me, hovering over me throughout dinner like nothing had changed.

"Brooklyn, honey, you'll freeze in those New York winters. Let's have Aiden take you to Saks tomorrow - they have the most amazing winter collection."

"That's okay, Mrs. Carter. I can shop online, or hit the stores once I'm there."

She beamed at my mom across the table. "I already got their whole dorm setup - matching comforter sets, those adorable string lights everyone's doing now. And the warmest North Face jackets - you know how brutal those East Coast winters can be. Don't worry about a thing, Karen."

Mom shifted in her seat, probably thinking how all that winter gear would gather dust in sunny California. But she plastered on her best social smile and murmured her thanks.

Madison's perfect smile cracked slightly, but Mrs. Carter didn't notice.

"Once you're both at Columbia, you'll be all each other has. Aiden, promise me you'll look after Brooklyn. No more of this fighting nonsense."

Aiden rolled his eyes. "Mom, please. She's not exactly helpless."

The tension at the table could've been cut with a knife until Madison chimed in, her voice dripping with false sweetness.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Carter. I'll take good care of Aiden in New York. Besides, Brooklyn will be too busy in California to worry about him."

The silence was deafening. Three heads snapped up.