Abandon.
The word hit like a physical blow.
Both women's eyes went wide—Hana's visible above her mask, Min-jung's completely exposed and vulnerable.
"No!" The word burst from Hana before she could stop it. "Please, I'll—I'll be better! I'll do anything! Just don't—"
"I won't disappoint you!" Min-jung interrupted, her voice desperate and confused. She didn't even know why she was saying it, why the thought of him leaving felt like a knife in her gut, but the words poured out anyway. "I'll—whatever you want! I'll—"
Raven looked at both of them—at the determination suddenly blazing in their eyes, at the way they were unconsciously competing, trying to prove themselves more worthy than the other.
More worthy than Veronica.
They'd forgotten, in that moment, their actual relationship. Forgotten that they were mother and daughter. Forgotten everything except the desperate need to keep his attention, to be chosen, to be wanted.
He chuckled, the sound dark and satisfied.
