Deirdre’s lips were trembling, and she stretched out her hand with great effort. “Mother, can I… touch your hands?”

She knew Ophelia’s hands. They were a pair of old hands covered in calluses that felt very different even at a very young age, especially in some spots.

She had not felt out Ophelia’s hands seriously before this but she had grown suspicious after Charlene’s remarks.

Maeve’s heart was racing. “What’s going on? What’s going on with you… Deirdre?”

“I’m fine…” Deirdre took a deep