Chapter 85: Without Her
"Mom, what kind of stupidity is this?" I snapped, looking directly into her eyes.
My eyes asked the questions I couldn't even articulate, needing her to give me a clear answer. "Sweetheart... w-we've made up..."
She tried to look away, but I grabbed her by both arms.
"Is that it, Mom? After everything he did to us, that's it? You're just going to forgive him like that?"
I couldn't understand what was going through my mom's mind. I could have understood if it were just a simple fight, but it wasn't.
He was the reason we struggled so much-not to mention he hurt my mom emotionally... and even physically.
"Do you know how long I've been waiting for this day to come?" she said softly.
She looked me straight in the eye, and I could tell how sincere she was.
"I've wished for this for a long time. I told myself that if this day ever came... I would forgive him without hesitation."
I closed my eyes tightly. I could hear the love, happiness, and a hint of pain in her voice. I was afraid for my mom because it seemed her heart worked backward. The one who deserved her forgiveness was... Silver.
But she held such resentment toward him. All he ever did was love her, while my mom's attention was only focused on Randall. "What if he does it again?" I asked.
"What if he doesn't?" she counterattacked. "I'm a grown woman. If you can't accept my decision, then at least support me."
I just nodded. She isn't even listening to me.
"Fine. But that means you have to support my decision, too. We're getting married after graduation." I took her hand and placed it on my stomach. "And I'm pregnant."
Her eyes widened at my words.
To my shock, she smiled.
"Did you think I'd be angry?" She gently rubbed my stomach. "No. All I'll say is to always be careful, but I trust that you know what you're doing. I also think Ash truly loves you."
At that moment, tears slowly began to fall from my eyes. It feels like everything is falling into place. I have my mom's support, which she gave me wholeheartedly.
As soon as I stepped out of the room, I was surprised by what my dad was doing. He was setting the table, moving all the greasy dishes away from the spot where I'd be sitting.
"I'm sorry if I only cooked pork and chicken," he said, replacing the food near my seat with vegetables and healthier dishes. "I didn't know you were pregnant. You should only eat nutritious meals." After that, I lost track of time. The four of us sat at the dining table. My mom and dad happily chatted about things I didn't understand, while Ash just watched me as I ate the fried chicken.
I could see him in my peripheral vision, but every time I looked his way, he would quickly avert his gaze. I ended up smiling, letting everything around me sink in.
Things felt surreal, and I couldn't help but be afraid. Everything seemed too perfect. I was scared something bad would happen, but I shook my head and massaged my temples. "Are you okay?" Ash asked, noticing what I was doing.
"Yes. Just a little full," I answered.
He knew I'm lying, but he didn't ask further.
After eating, I walked him to the door, still anxious about something.
A day passed without me doing much around the house. My mother didn't go to work today. Instead, Randall went out, as he'd apparently found a new job. That's him-the one I used to admire. He's slowly becoming the person he once was... but that doesn't mean I can forgive him easily for what he did back then.
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If my mom forgives quickly, I'm different. I don't forget things easily. In fact, the longer it's been, the deeper the wounds have rooted in my heart.
Maybe that's why it's hard for me to open up to anyone about my dark past. I fear they might think the same way I do.
Maybe they also wouldn't easily forgive people like me.
"Sweetheart, drink some milk. It's good for the baby."
I looked up at the door and saw my mom standing there. She held a glass of milk in her right hand, with a wide smile on her face.
Mom walked toward me and set the glass down before sitting at my side.
"How are you?" she asked sincerely, stroking my head gently. "My daughter is all grown up now. It feels like only yesterday you were so young, and now, you're about to graduate, and I'm going to be a grandmother." The happiness and sadness were evident in her eyes... along with a bit of fear. Maybe it's because she still doesn't fully trust Ash, but she can't do anything about it because I really love Ash.
He's proven himself to me many times. He's protected me and, even when he should have killed me, he didn't.
Like now. I smiled as my phone buzzed and Ash's name popped up.
"How cute," I murmured, smiling as I opened his message.
He'd sent a selfie from the company where he was interning.
[Done with my internship, baby. Finally, I don't have to come back here anymore. We'll graduate together.]
[Rest up. We have graduation practice tomorrow. You'll be there, right?] I replied.
I couldn't stop smiling. It's so fulfilling to think we're going to achieve our dreams together... along with this child we're having.
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I want to give him the love he deserves. I want to return his feelings. I want to fight for him, just like he fights for me.
[Of course.]
He replied almost instantly.
"You really love him, don't you?" my mom asked, reminding me that she was still in the room with me, as I'd been busy texting Ash.
She must have been watching me for a while, but I hadn't noticed.
I nodded. "So much, Mom. It's not hard to love him."
And that's the truth. Trusting him wasn't easy, but he's easy to love. He's so much more than his looks and influence. If people saw him as I do, they'd fall for him too.
I wouldn't mind drowning in his world. I once told myself I wouldn't get trapped in his chaos, yet here I am, longing for him even though I'll see him tomorrow.
"I'm happy for you, my dear," she said, hugging me tightly. "I hope to see you get married. It's our dream to walk you down the aisle, and to see you graduate."Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.
Her hand gently stroked my back. "We're so happy to see that you're finally fulfilling all your dreams."
I smiled, feeling her love through that small gesture. It's different now. I used to feel like she only cared about Randall and not me.
Now that I know her past and how she had me, I can't blame her for how she treated me then.
I'll thank her and repay her, forever. Without her, I wouldn't have survived this world.