Out of the Shadows: Tilda’s Brilliant Second Life

Chapter 626 Masks of Guilt

Darell opened his mouth like he wanted to say something, but stayed silent.

Justin had already shown signs of his autism creeping back. Now he was struggling with hyperventilation.

But saying that out loud would only add to everyone’s worry.

“I’m sorry, it’s my fault. I don’t even know what happened. How did I lose control like that? I promised myself that no matter what Tilda said, I’d stay calm.”

Blair held her head in her hands, drowning in guilt.

She’d gone to face Tilda knowing she’d be humiliated. She thought she was ready.

But in the end, she lost herself, turning into a complete wreck.

Russell tried to comfort her. “Blair, don’t think like that. This isn’t your fault.”

Kyla crouched in front of her mother, tears streaming down her face. “Yeah, Mom, please don’t blame yourself. We’re already at the hospital. Cousin Astrid treated Justin on the way here. He’s strong. He’ll be fine.”

“Kyla, I’m sorry. I failed you and Justin. I caused this. Does your face still hurt?”

Blair gently touched the red mark from Tilda’s slap. Her eyes filled with pain.

“It doesn’t hurt. Not at all, Mom. What hurts more is my heart. It’s all my fault. I ruined this family. I hurt you, Dad, my brothers… even Tilda. I don’t deserve to be a daughter in this family. Tilda’s so much stronger than me. She deserves it more than I ever could.”

Kyla’s tears rolled down faster and faster until she was sobbing uncontrollably.

“Sorry, Mom. I need the bathroom.”

Without waiting for Blair to respond, Kyla covered her face and ran off, disappearing down the hall.

Blair clutched Russell’s chest and broke down. “W–why is this happening to our family? Why?”

Russell couldn’t answer. He just held her close, patting her back in silence while grief spread through him like poison.

If they had known things would come to this, they never would have made those choices.

Their mistakes were unforgivable. There was no hope to hold onto.

Watching Kyla continue her act, even knowing who she really was, they couldn’t say a word.

Watching Blair nearly lose her mind, then come back to herself only to be crushed with guilt, while still trapped in Kyla’s lies–it was unbearable.

They all wore false masks, moving across a stage like actors in a play. Every action rehearsed, every word scripted. Nothing was real.

Just like Tilda had said.

They were clowns and maniacs, broken and pathetic, without even realizing it.

Maybe Tilda leaving their family was the best thing that could have ever happened to her.

She escaped this hell. She didn’t end up like them, living in shame, neither whole nor human.

Astrid stood off to the side, watching Russell’s family fall apart.

Her heart ached, but she had no right to say anything.

All she could do was wait quietly with them for Justin’s surgery to end.

Darell clenched his fists, finally making up his mind.

“Brothers, I’ll leave things here to you. There’s something important I need to take care of. I’ll be back soon!”

Kayden and Wade stared at him in shock. “Darell? Justin’s in this condition; what could be more important than this?”

“Trust me.”

When they saw the seriousness in Darell’s eyes, the two went quiet. After a pause, they nodded. “Alright, go ahead. We’ll look after everyone.”

“I’m counting on you!”

Without another word, Darell turned and hurried off.

Meanwhile, Tilda and Theo finished dinner at a leisurely pace.

Tilda took a sip of wine, dabbed her lips with a napkin, and said, “The flavor really is good. This chef they hired must be exceptional.”

“I heard he used to run a Michelin three-star restaurant in Flonche. He’s got nearly 60 years of experience now and still working the front line, always pushing for something new. The owners must’ve gone to great lengths to bring him here.”

Theo relaxed as he spoke.

When he saw Tilda enjoying the meal and not looking upset, he finally let out the breath he’d been holding. He had worried the earlier run-in with the Jensons might have ruined her mood. If that had happened, he would’ve felt guilty for suggesting Sky Dining.

When they finished and stepped out of the elevator, they suddenly ran into someone.

“Tilda…”

Darell came rushing up, out of breath and drenched in sweat. He’d been stuck in traffic, but finally made it–just in time to catch her.