Deirdre, unable to accept the outcome, began making excuses for Brendan's behavior.

"Deirdre, you need to clear your head," Josie urged, trying to reason with her. "You have your baby and us. Brendan has chosen to marry Emily, which means he has no intention of making you his wife."

Even now, Josie found it hard to believe. She had witnessed firsthand how much Brendan loved Deirdre. Could it be that he was just skilled at deception?

Deirdre vigorously shook her head. "Don't try to persuade me